POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES ON BLOOD FLOW KINETICS OF DIFFERENT POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH A SUITABLE APPROACH.

BACKGROUND: The ability to control skin blood flow decreases with advancing age and some clinical disorders, as in diabetes and in rheumatologic diseases. Feasible clinical strategies such as whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) are being used without a clear understanding of its effects. The aim of the present study is to review the effects of the WBVE on blood flow kinetics and its feasibility in different populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The level of evidence (LE) of selected papers in PubMed and/or PEDRo databases was determined. We selected randomized, controlled trials in English to be evaluated. RESULTS: Six studies had LE II, one had LE III-2 and one III-3 according to the NHMRC. A great variability among the protocols was observed but also in the assessment devices; therefore, more research about this topic is warranted. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations, it is can be concluded that the use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve blood flow. However, more studies with greater methodological quality are needed to clearly define the more suitable protocols.

Intra-articular corticosteroids versus intra-articular corticosteroids plus methotrexate in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label trial.

BACKGROUND: Little evidence-based information is available to guide the treatment of oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We aimed to investigate whether oral methotrexate increases the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: We did this prospective, open-label, randomised trial at ten hospitals in Italy. Using a concealed computer-generated list, children younger than 18 years with oligoarticular-onset disease were randomly assigned (1:1) to intra-articular corticosteroids alone or in combination with oral methotrexate (15 mg/m2; maximum 20 mg). Corticosteroids used were triamcinolone hexacetonide (shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and tibiotalar joints) or methylprednisolone acetate (ie, subtalar and tarsal joints). We did not mask patients or investigators to treatment assignments. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients in the intention-to-treat population who had remission of arthritis in all injected joints at 12 months. This trial is registered with European Union Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT number 2008-006741-70. FINDINGS: Between July 7, 2009, and March 31, 2013, we screened 226 participants and randomly assigned 102 to intra-articular corticosteroids alone and 105 to intra-articular corticosteroids plus methotrexate. 33 (32%) patients assigned to intra-articular corticosteroids alone and 39 (37%) assigned to intra-articular corticosteroids and methotrexate therapy had remission of arthritis in all injected joints (p=0·48). Adverse events were recorded for 20 (17%) patients who received methotrexate, which led to permanent treatment discontinuation in two patients (one due to increased liver transaminases and one due to gastrointestinal discomfort). No patient had a serious adverse event. INTERPRETATION: Concomitant administration of methotrexate did not augment the effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid therapy. Future studies are needed to define the optimal therapeutic strategies for oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. FUNDING: Italian Agency of Drug Evaluation.

Efficacy of a new technique - INtubate-RECruit-SURfactant-Extubate - "IN-REC-SUR-E" - in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although beneficial in clinical practice, the INtubate-SURfactant-Extubate (IN-SUR-E) method is not successful in all preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, with a reported failure rate ranging from 19 to 69 %. One of the possible mechanisms responsible for the unsuccessful IN-SUR-E method, requiring subsequent re-intubation and mechanical ventilation, is the inability of the preterm lung to achieve and maintain an "optimal" functional residual capacity. The importance of lung recruitment before surfactant administration has been demonstrated in animal studies showing that recruitment leads to a more homogeneous surfactant distribution within the lungs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the application of a recruitment maneuver using the high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) modality just before the surfactant administration followed by rapid extubation (INtubate-RECruit-SURfactant-Extubate: IN-REC-SUR-E) with IN-SUR-E alone in spontaneously breathing preterm infants requiring nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) as initial respiratory support and reaching pre-defined CPAP failure criteria. METHODS/DESIGN: In this study, 206 spontaneously breathing infants born at 24(+0)-27(+6) weeks' gestation and failing nCPAP during the first 24 h of life, will be randomized to receive an HFOV recruitment maneuver (IN-REC-SUR-E) or no recruitment maneuver (IN-SUR-E) just prior to surfactant administration followed by prompt extubation. The primary outcome is the need for mechanical ventilation within the first 3 days of life. Infants in both groups will be considered to have reached the primary outcome when they are not extubated within 30 min after surfactant administration or when they meet the nCPAP failure criteria after extubation. DISCUSSION: From all available data no definitive evidence exists about a positive effect of recruitment before surfactant instillation, but a rationale exists for testing the following hypothesis: a lung recruitment maneuver performed with a step-by-step Continuous Distending Pressure increase during High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (and not with a sustained inflation) could have a positive effects in terms of improved surfactant distribution and consequent its major efficacy in preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. This represents our challenge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02482766 . Registered on 1 June 2015.

The relevance of the procedures related to the physiotherapy in the interventions in patients with prostate cancer: short review with practice approach.

Advances in medical science procedures and their utilization in the field of oncology improved the survival of patients. In consequence, these advances have influenced the practice of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists utilize physical agents with the objective to enhance the health, welfare and quality of life and thus they can play important role in the management and rehabilitation of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are effects normally associated with the radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy due to the damage of the muscles of the pelvic floor (MPV). The aim of this work is to present findings related to the PCa and how the physiotherapist can guide the patient in relation to the knowledge and understanding of the anatomic structures related directly with the pelvic floor, the correct breathing and the perception of the MPV, as other muscles of the pelvis. Interventions of the physiotherapy will re-train the muscles of the pelvis by improving the active retention strength of the MPV in order to overcome the insufficiency (mainly the UI and ED) of the injured muscles. In conclusion, it is suggested to consider and to offer to the PCa patients the techniques related to the physiotherapy before and after the treatment.

Laser for treatment of aphthous ulcers on bacteria cultures and DNA.

Low-intensity red lasers are proposed for treatment of oral aphthous ulcers based on biostimulative effects. However, effects of low-intensity lasers at fluences used in clinical protocols on DNA are controversial. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of low-intensity red laser on survival and induction of filamentation of Escherichia coli cells, and induction of DNA lesions in bacterial plasmids. Escherichia coli cultures were exposed to laser (660 nm, 100 mW, 25 and 45 J cm(-2)) to study bacterial survival and filamentation. Also, bacterial plasmids were exposed to laser to study DNA lesions by electrophoretic profile and action of DNA repair enzymes. Data indicate that low-intensity red laser: (i) had no effect on survival of E. coli wild type, exonuclease III and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase/MutM protein but decreased the survival of endonuclease III deficient cultures; (ii) induced bacterial filamentation, (iii) there was no alteration in the electrophoretic profile of plasmids in agarose gels, (iv) there was no alteration in the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase/MutM protein and endonuclease III enzymes, but it altered the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with exonuclease III. Low-intensity red laser at therapeutic fluences has an effect on the survival of E. coli endonuclease III deficient cells, induces bacterial filamentation in E. coli cultures and DNA lesions targeted by exonuclease III.

Low-intensity infrared laser increases plasma proteins and induces oxidative stress in vitro.

Low-intensity laser therapy is based on the excitation of endogenous chromophores in biotissues and free-radical generation could be involved in its biological effects. In this work, the effects of the low-intensity infrared laser on plasma protein content and oxidative stress in blood from Wistar rats were studied. Blood samples from Wistar rats were exposed to low-intensity infrared laser in continuous wave and pulsed-emission modes at different fluencies. Plasma protein content and two oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid-reactive species formation and myeloperoxidase activity) were carried out to assess the effects of laser irradiation on blood samples. Low-intensity infrared laser exposure increases plasma protein content, induces lipid peroxidation, and increases myeloperoxidase activity in a dose- and frequency-dependent way in blood samples. The low-intensity infrared laser increases plasma protein content and oxidative stress in blood samples, suggesting that laser therapy protocols should take into account fluencies, frequencies, and wavelengths of the laser before beginning treatment.

Lactational exposure to phthalates in Southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates, reproductive toxicants in animals, are synthetic chemicals with ubiquitous human exposures because of their extensive use, with potential detrimental health effects. Infants are considered to represent a population at increased risk, as they are exposed early in life to several different sources of exposure to phthalates. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Little information exists on phthalate exposure through breast milk from different geographic areas. By means of a LC/LC-MS/MS method we tested the presence of several different phthalate metabolites in breast milk from 62 healthy mothers living in Southern Italy. RESULTS: The simple monoesters mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (median 18.8 microg/l) and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) (median 8.4 microg/l) were present in all milk samples, whereas mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (median 1.5 microg/l) and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) (median <0.3 microg/l) were found in 64.5% and 43.5% of the samples, respectively. Among the oxidative metabolites of DEHP and DiNP only mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP) and monoisononyl phthalate with one hydroxyl group (OH-MiNP) were detectable in one and 13 samples (21%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that exposure to phthalates through breast milk in Southern Italian infants is comparable to that of other countries, thus confirming that human milk may represent an additional potential source of phthalate exposure in a population at increased risk. However, different milk concentrations of MiBP may suggest a different pattern of usage of di-iso-butyl phthalate in Europe, as compared to USA, whereas for the first time, we detected an oxidative DiNP metabolite, whose significance remains unclear.

Radiotherapy, cancer and some anatomical structures related with the pelvic floor: an evaluation of the scientific literature

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of ionizing radiation to try to kill the cancer cells in various organs/tissues. PubMed is a database used as a tool in various publications. The aim of this work was to evaluate, in the PubMed, the number of publications (NP) in radiotherapy and cancer in various organs related to the pelvic floor as well as brachytherapy. The searches were performed (August 2008) in the PubMed (http://www.pubmed.com) using the words: (i) radiotherapy (RT) or cancer (CA), (ii) RT and CA, (iii) RT and CA and prostate, RT and CA and testis, RT and CA and breast, RT and CA and kidneys, RT and CA and vulva, RT and CA and vagina, RT and CA and penis, RT and CA and uterus, RT and CA and ovary, RT and CA and bladder, and RT and CA and urethra. A search using brachytherapy was also performed. The NP in each subject was determined and was 2178635 to CA and about 9% of them are related with RT. The NP in RT and CA and breast or prostate is bigger than for the other organs, whereas brachytherapy is mainly cited in the studies about CA of prostate, bladder and breast. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the importance of radiation therapy studies in the cancer of several organs. This information is crucial in understanding the field and demonstrates areas of significant progress or existing gaps of research in radiotherapy treatment of various cancers of the pelvis. Furthermore, it could significantly aid the interprofessional team in the determination of actions related to the treatment of patients that are undertaking radiotherapy, due to the possible complications of this modality of treatment.

Radioterapia é uma forma de tratamento para câncer que usa raios X de alta energia ou outros tipos de radiação ionizante para tentar matar as células do câncer em vários órgãos/tecidos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar, no PubMed, o número de publicações (NP) em radioterapia e câncer em alguns órgãos geralmente relacionados com o assoalho pélvico e com a braquiterapia. A pesquisa foi realizada (Agosto de 2008) no PubMed (http://www.pubmed.com) utilizando as palavras: (i) radiotheraphy (RT) or cancer (CA), (ii) RT and CA, (iii) RT and CA and prostate, RT and CA and testis, RT and CA and breast, RT and CA and kidneys, RT and CA and vulva, RT and CA and vagina, RT and CA and penis, RT and CA and uterus, RT and CA and ovary, RT and CA and bladder, and RT and CA and urethra. Uma pesquisa usando brachytherapy foi também realizada. O NP em cada termo foi determinado e foi 2178635 para CA e aproximadamente 9 por cento estão relacionados com RT. O NP em RT e CA e breast ou prostate é maior do que outros órgãos e braquiterapia são principalmente citados nos estudos sobre CA de próstata, bexiga e mama. Concluindo, esses achados mostram a importância de estudos sobre a terapia por radiação de câncer em alguns órgãos. Além disso, essas informações poderiam ajudar a equipe interprofissional no desenvolvimento de ações nos pacientes que estão sendo tratados com radioterapia devido às possíveis complicações dessa modalidade de tratamento.

A Review of Scientific Papers About Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancer is one of the 10 most frequent cancers worldwide, with an estimated 500000 new cases diagnosed annually. Treatment of head and neck cancers require a multidisciplinary approach due their complexity and the functional and esthetic alterations that cancer can cause. The interest of the scientific community in a specific subject can be evaluated by analyzing of the number and the quality of published papers on the topic. The information obtained from PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez) has been used as a tool in various publications to aid the evaluation of the scientific interest in specific research areas The aim of this work is to evaluate, using PubMed, the scientific interest in studies of head and neck cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. The searches were performed on PubMed for publications from the period of 1949 to 2008 using the search terms "head and neck cancer" and "surgery" or "radiotherapy" or "chemotherapy". The number of publications per year was determined in each search. The percentage of publications was also calculated for each subject in each year. An interest factor in a subject (IFS) was also determined. The number of publications was higher for surgery than chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The calculated 1964 IFS for surgery was 14.79, 12.74 for radiotherapy, and 19.58 for chemotherapy. The 1995 IFS for surgery was 1.99, 2.09 for radiotherapy, and 2.08 for chemotherapy. The relation obtained for 1995 was maintained in the subsequent years. There are more publications related to surgical treatment for head and neck cancer when compared with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, in the recent years there has an increased interest in treatments utilizing chemotherapy, or this associated to radiotherapy.

O câncer de cabeça e pescoço é um dos 10 mais freqüentes cânceres no mundo, com um número de 50000 novos casos diagnosticados anualmente. O tratamento dos cânceres de cabeça e pescoço requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar devido a sua complexidade e a alterações funcionais e estéticas que o câncer pode causar. O interesse da comunidade científica em um objeto pode ser avaliado pela análise do número e da qualidade dos artigos publicados. A informação obtida do PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez) tem sido usada como uma ferramenta em várias publicações para ajudar a avaliação do interesse científico em áreas de pesquisa específicas. O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar, usando o PubMed, o interesse científico em estudar os tratamentos do câncer de cabeça e pescoço, tais como a radioterapia, a quimioterapia e a cirurgia. As pesquisas foram realizadas no PubMed para publicações de 1949 a 2008 usando os termos de pesquisa "head and neck cancer"e"surgery" ou "radiotherapy" ou "chemotherapy". O número de publicações (NP) por ano foi determinado para cada pesquisa. A percentagem de publicações ( por centoP) também foi calculada para cada objeto em cada ano. Um fator de interesse em um objeto (IFS) também foi determinado. O NP foi maior para cirurgia do que para quimioterapia ou radioterapia. O IFS calculado em 1964 para cirurgia foi 14,79; 12,74 para radioterapia; e 19,58 para quimioterapia. Em 1995 o IFS foi 1,99 para cirurgia, 2,09 para radioterapia e 2,08 para quimioterapia. A relação obtida para 1995 foi mantida nos anos subseqüentes. Existem mais publicações relacionadas ao tratamento cirúrgico para o câncer de cabeça e pescoço quando comparadas com radioterapia ou quimioterapia. Além disso, nos últimos anos tem existido um aumento no interesse em tratamentos utilizando a quimioterapia, ou ela associada à radioterapia.

Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum treatment on radiolabeling of blood bonstituents and morphology of red blood cells in Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vivo treatment with an aqueous cinnamon extract on thelabeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and on the morphology of red blood cells from Wistar rats. Animals were treated with cinnamon extract at different doses and for different periods of time. As controls, animals treated with0.9% NaCl. Labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc was performed. Plasma, blood cells and insoluble fractions were isolated. Radioactivity in each fraction was counted and the percentage of radioactivity (%ATI) was calculated. Also, blood smears were prepared to morphological analysis of red blood cells from. Data showed that in vivo cinnamon extract did not significantly (p>0.05) modify the %ATI of blood constituents and morphology of red blood cells. The results suggest that in vivo aqueous cinnamon could not affect the membrane structures involved in transport of ions or the oxidation state of stannous and pertechnetate ions.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar efeitos do tratamento in vivo com um extrato aquoso de canela na marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc e na morfologia de hemácias de ratosWistar. Os animais foram tratados com diferentes doses ou por diferentes tempos com extrato de canela Como controles, animais tratados com NaCl 0,9%. A marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc foi realizada, plasma, células sangüíneas e frações insolúveis foram isoladas. A radioatividade em cada fração foi contada e a porcentagem de radioatividade (%ATI) foi calculada. Distensões sangüíneas foram preparadas para análise morfológica dehemácias. Os dados mostraram que o tratamento in vivo com extrato de canela não modificaria significativamente (p>0,05) a %ATI nosconstituintes sangüíneos e a morfologia de hemácias. Os resultados sugerem que o extrato aquoso de canela não afetaria in vivo as estruturas da membrana envolvidas no transporte de íons ou o estado de oxidação dos íons estanoso e pertecnetato.

Osmotic and morphological effects on red blood cell membrane: action of an aqueous extract of Lantana camara / Efeitos osmótico e morfológico na membrana de hemácias: ação de um extrato aquoso de Lantana camara

The Lantana camara ("cambara de espinho") leaves infusions are used popularly in some countries to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Osmotic fragility assay and morphometric analysis have been used to verify the interaction of drugs with the membrane of red blood cells (RBC). The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Lantana camara on the osmotic fragility and on the morphology of RBC. Blood samples were treated with extract of Lantana camara (10 mg/mL), osmotic fragility assay and morphological analysis were carried out. In the presence of the extract, the data obtained indicated (i) a significant (p < 0.05) increase of hemolysis and (ii) modifications on the morphology of RBC. These effects of the Lantana camara may be associated with some pharmacological properties of the chemical compounds of this studied extract.

As infusões de folhas de Lantana camara (cambara-de-espinho) são usadas popularmente em alguns países para tratar doenças gastrointestinais. O experimento de fragilidade osmótica e a análise morfométrica têm sido usados para verificar a interação de drogas com a membrana de hemácias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de um extrato aquoso de Lantana camara na fragilidade osmótica e na morfologia de hemácias. Amostras de sangue foram tratadas com extrato de Lantana camara (10 mg/mL), o ensaio de fragilidade osmótica e a análise morfológica foram realizadas. Na presença do extrato, os dados obtidos indicaram (i) um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) da hemólise e (ii) modificações na morfologia das hemácias. Estes efeitos da Lantana camara poderiam estar associados com algumas propriedades farmacológicas de compostos químicos do extrato estudado.

Assessment of effects of a formula used in the traditional Chinese medicine (Buzhong Yi Qi Wan) on the morphologic and osmotic fragility of red blood cells

Buzhong Yi Qi Wan (BYQW) is a combination of some medicinal herbs widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat blood, spleen and stomach disorders. Morphometric analysis and osmotic fragility assay have been used to evaluate changes on membrane integrity of red blood cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an aqueous BYQW extract on the morphology and osmotic fragility of red blood cells. Blood samples were treated with BYQW extract, quantitative/qualitative morphological analysis and osmotic fragility assay were carried out against control groups treated with saline. The data obtained indicated no modification on morphology but osmotic fragility assay suggested a significant (p<0.05) increasing of hemolysis in red blood cells isolated from blood treated with aqueous BYQW extract. In conclusion, the aqueous BYQW extract could affect the membrane integrity decreasing the osmotic resistance but without altering the shape of red blood cells.

Buzhong Yi Qi Wan (BYQW) é uma combinação de algumas ervas medicinais amplamente usada na medicina tradicional chinesa para tratar o sangue, baço e desordens do estômago. A análise morfométrica e o ensaio de fragilidade osmótica têm sido usados para avaliar alterações na integridade da membrana de hemácias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de um extrato aquoso de BYQW na morfologia e na fragilidade osmótica de hemácias. Amostras sangüíneas foram tratadas com o extrato de BYQW, análise morfológica quantitativa/qualitativa e o ensaio de fragilidade osmótica foram realizados e comparados com grupo controle tratado com salina. Os dados obtidos indicaram ausência de modificações na morfologia, mas o ensaio de fragilidade osmótica sugeriu um aumento significativo (p<0,05) da hemólise em hemácias isoladas de sangue tratado com extrato aquoso de BYQW. Em conclusão, o extrato aquoso de BYQW poderia afetar a integridade da membrana diminuindo a resistência osmótica sem alterar a forma das hemácias.

An extract of a formula used in the traditional chinese medicine (Buzhong Yi Qi Wan) alters the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m

Buzhong Yi Qi Wan (Buzhong) is a medicinal herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the digestive and circulatory systems. Red blood cell and plasma proteins labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used in nuclear medicine. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of an aqueous Buzhong extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc. Heparinized blood (Wistar rats) was incubated in vitro with different Buzhong extract concentrations and 99mTc-labeling was performed. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were separated and soluble (SF-P, SF-BC) and insoluble (IF-P, IF-BC) fractions were isolated. The radioactivity on blood constituents was determined and the percentage of incorporated radioactivity ( percentATI) was calculated. Buzhong extract at the highest concentrations used altered significantly (p<0.05) the percentATI in blood constituents. Substances present in the Buzhong extract could alter the cellular membrane and/or generation of free radicals that have oxidant properties modifying the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc.

Buzhong Yi Qi Wan (Buzhong) é uma fórmula utilizada na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa para tratamento de distúrbios nos sistemas digestório e circulatório. Constituintes sangüíneos marcados com tecnécio-99m (99mTc) são usados na medicina nuclear. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do extrato de Buzhong na marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc. Amostras de sangue de ratos Wistar foram incubadas com diferentes concentrações do extrato de Buzhong e a marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc foi realizado. Plasma e células sangüíneas foram separados, frações solúveis e insolúveis do plasma e das células sangüíneas foram isoladas. A radioatividade nos constituintes sangüíneos foi contada e as porcentagens de radioatividade incorporada ( por centoATI), determinada. Extrato de Buzhong nas maiores concentrações utilizadas altera significativamente (p<0.05) a por centoATI nos constituintes sangüíneos. Substâncias presentes no extrato de Buzhong poderiam alterar a membrana celular e/ou gerar radicais livres, que têm propriedades oxidantes, modificando a marcação dos constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc.

Effects of Chrysobalanus icaco on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m and on the shape of the red blood cells

Chrysobalanus icaco (abajeru; C.icaco) is recommended in the treatment of diabetes and other clinical disorders. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used in nuclear medicine. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of an abajeru extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and on the shape of red blood cells (RBC). Blood samples(Wistar rats) were incubated with abajeru extract and the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and morphology of RBC were carried out. The results showed significant (P<0.05) alteration of labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and the morphometry (perimeter/area ratio) of the RBC in presence of the extract. These data suggest that this abajeru extract could alter the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc by its chelating/antioxidant action and/or effects on membrane structures involved in the ion transport.

Chrysobalanus icaco (abajeru; C.icaco) é recomendado para tratar diabetes e outras desordens clínicas. Constituintes sangüíneos marcados com tecnécio -99m (99mTc) são usados em medicina nuclear. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar os efeitos de um extrato de abajetu na radiomarcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc e na forma de células vermelhas do sangue (RBC). Amostras de sangue retiradas de ratos Wistar foram incubadas com extrato de abajeru e a marcação dos constituintes sanguíneos com 99mTc e a morfologia das RBC foram realizadas. Os resultados mostraram alteração significativa (P<0.05) da marcação dos constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc e a morfometria (relação perímetro/área) das RBC na presença do extrato. Esses resultados sugerem que esse extrato de abajeru poderia alterar a marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc pela sua ação quelante/antioxidante e/ou seus efeitos nas estruturas de membrana envolvidas no transporte de íons.

Effects of clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus L.) on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m and on the morphology of red blood cells

Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus L.) has been used for clinical procedures. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used in nuclear medicine. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of clove extract on the labeling blood constituents with 99mTc and on the morphology of red blood cells. Blood samples were incubated with clove, stannous chloride and 99mTc. Plasma, blood cells, insoluble fractions of plasma and blood cells were separated. The radioactivity was counted and percentage of radioactivity ( percentATI) to each blood fraction was calculated. The shape and morphometric parameter (perimeter/area ratio) were evaluated. Clove extract altered significantly (p<0.05) the percentATI of blood constituents and the shape of red blood cells without modifying the perimeter/area ratio. The results indicate that clove extract presents chemical compounds that interfere with the radiolabeling of blood constituents and alter the morphology of red blood cells by oxidative/chelating actions or interacting with the cellular membrane structure.

O cravo-da-índia (Caryophyllus aromaticus L.) tem sido usado em tratamentos clínicos. Constituintes sangüíneos marcados com tecnécio-99m (99mTc) são usados em medicina nuclear O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de um extrato de cravo-da-índia na marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc e na morfologia das hemácias. Amostras de sangue foram incubadas com cravo-da-índia, cloreto estanoso e 99mTc. Plasma, células sangüíneas, frações insolúveis do plasma e das células sangüíneas foram separadas. A porcentagem de radioatividade incorporada ( por cento ATI) nestas frações foi calculada. Forma e relação perímetro/área das hemácias foram avaliadas. O extrato de cravo-da-índia alterou significativamente (p<0,05) a radiomarcação de constituintes sangüíneos e qualitativamente a forma das hemácias. Não foram obtidas alterações na relação perímetro/área hemácias. Os resultados indicam que o extrato de cravo-da-índia apresenta compostos que interferem com a radiomarcação de constituintes sangüíneos e alteram a morfologia de células sangüíneas através de ações oxidativas/quelantes ou interagindo com a estrutura da membrana celular.

A Chrysobalanus icaco extract alters the plasmid topology and the effects of stannous chloride on the DNA of plasmids

Chrysobalanus icaco (C. icaco) leaves are used in folk medicine (known as Abajeru in Brazil) to control the glycaemia in diabetic patients. Stannous chloride (SnCl2) is a powerful reducing agent used for different purposes and presents cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of an aqueous C. icaco extract on the plasmid DNA topology and on the effects of the stannous chloride on DNA plasmid. Plasmid pBSK was incubated with a C. icaco extract in the presence or absence of SnCl2 (200 mg/mL), after that, the agarose gel electrophoresis procedure was carried out. Plasmid incubated only SnCl2 was used as positive control and, as negative control, plasmid incubated with Tris buffer. The gels were stained with ethidium bromide, DNA bands were semiquantified by densitometry. The data showed that C. icaco extract alters the electrophoretic profile and decreases significantly (p < 0.05) the effect of SnCl2 on plasmid DNA. The results obtained in this work could indicate a dose-dependent protective action and a genotoxic effect of C. icaco extract on plasmid DNA.

Folhas de Chrysobalanus icaco (C. icaco) são usadas na medicina popular (conhecido como Abajeru no Brasil) para controlar a glicemia em pacientes diabéticos. Cloreto estanoso (SnCl2) é um agente redutor potente usado para diferentes propostas e apresenta efeitos citotóxico e genotóxico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos de um extrato aquoso de C. icaco na topologia de DNA plasmidial e nos efeitos do cloreto estanoso sobre o DNA plasmidial. Plasmídios pBSK foram incubados com um extrato de C. icaco na presença ou ausência do SnCl2 (200 mg/mL), em seguida, o procedimento de eletroforese em gel de agarose foi realizado. Plasmídios incubados somente com SnCl2 foram usados como controle positivo e, como controle negativo, plasmídios incubados com tampão Tris. Os géis foram corados com brometo de etídio e as bandas de DNA foram semiquantificadas por densitometria. Os dados mostraram que o extrato de C. icaco altera o perfil eletroforético e diminui significativamente (p < 0,05) os efeitos do SnCl2 sobre DNA plasmidial. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho indicam uma ação protetora dependente da dose e um efeito genotóxico de extrato de C. icaco sobre o DNA plasmidial.

Prolonged fetal bradycardia as the presenting clinical sign in Streptococcus agalactiae chorioamnionitis.

Group B Streptococcus remains a leading infectious cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 37 weeks' gestation infant with severe birth asphyxia, status epilepticus and GBS chorioamnionitis, in which a prolonged fetal bradycardia was the only prenatal clinical sign.

In utero exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and duration of human pregnancy.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), the most commonly used plasticizer in flexible polyvinylchloride formulations, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. To date, no information exists on the potential health hazards from exposure to DEHP and/or its main metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP), in high-risk conditions, such as pregnancy and during the neonatal period. The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal exposure to DEHP and/or MEHP and its possible biologic effects. We measured serum DEHP and MEHP concentrations in the cord blood of 84 consecutive newborns by high-performance liquid chromatography. Relationships between DEHP/MEHP and infant characteristics were tested using Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-tests, and univariate linear regression analyses, and significant differences on univariate analysis were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. We found detectable cord blood DEHP and/or MEHP concentrations in 88.1% of the samples. Either DEHP or MEHP was present in 65 of 84 (77.4%) of the examined samples. Mean concentrations of DEHP and MEHP were 1.19 +/- 1.15 microg/mL [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.93-1.44, range = 0-4.71] and 0.52 +/- 0.61 microg/mL (95% CI, 0.39-0.66, range = 0-2.94), respectively. MEHP-positive newborns showed a significantly lower gestational age compared with MEHP-negative infants (p = 0.033). Logistic regression analysis results indicated a positive correlation between absence of MEHP in cord blood and gestational age at delivery (odds ratio = 1.50, 95% CI, 1.013-2.21; p = 0.043). These findings confirm that human exposure to DEHP can begin in utero and suggest that phthalate exposure is significantly associated with a shorter pregnancy duration.

Atividade do Abagerú (Chrysobalanus icaco Lin, Chrysobalanoceae) em modelos experimentais para o estudo de plantas hipogliceminantes / Activity of Abagerú (Chrysobalanus icaco Lin, Chrysobalanaceae) in experimental models to the study of hypoglyceminant plants

O abagerú (Chrysobalanus icaco Lin) foi ensaiado na forma de chá a 5% por via oral em camundongos normais e aloxanizados e em ratos anestesiados pela técnica da perfusäo intestinal. O chá de abagerú reduziu a glicemia de jejum e bloqueou 64,20% da absorçäo intestinal da glicose