Long-term mortality after acute coronary syndromes among patients with normal, mildly reduced, or reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% is a well-established risk factor for mortality after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the long-term prognostic impact of mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF 41-49%) after ACS remains less clear. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a retrospective study enrolling patients admitted with ACS included in a single-centre databank. LVEF was assessed by echocardiography during index hospitalization. Patients were divided in the following categories according to LVEF: normal (LVEF ≥ 50%), mildly reduced (LVEF 41-49%), and reduced (LVEF ≤ 40%). The endpoint of interest was all-cause death after hospital discharge. A multivariable Cox model was used to adjust for confounders. A total of 3200 patients were included (1952 with normal EF, 375 with mildly reduced EF, and 873 with reduced EF). The estimated cumulative incidence rates of mortality at 10 years for patients with normal, mildly reduced, and reduced EF were 24.8%, 33.5%, and 41.3%, respectively. After adjustments, the presence of reduced EF was associated with higher mortality compared with normal EF [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36-1.96; P < 0.001], as was mildly reduced EF compared with normal EF (adjusted HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.05-1.68; P = 0.019). The presence of reduced EF was not associated with a statistically significantly higher mortality compared with mildly reduced EF (adjusted HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.96-1.57; P = 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, mildly reduced EF measured in the acute phase was associated with higher long-term mortality compared with patients with normal EF. These data emphasize the importance of anti-remodelling therapies for ACS patients who have LVEF in the mildly reduced range.

Enfermagem e a educação em saúde / Nursing and health education

Introdução: A educação em saúde promove uma estratégia que potencializa o cuidado de enfermagem ao envolver atividades educativas na assistência ao paciente. Objetivo: Refletir sobre as ações de educação em saúde realizadas pela enfermagem e, a construção do vínculo para transferência de conhecimento científico voltado para a área. Método: O texto é uma revisão narrativa realizada com base em periódicos nacionais e internacionais. As bases consultadas foram: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Biblioteca Regional de Medicina (BIREME) e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) utilizando os descritores: "Educação em Saúde"; "Enfermagem" e "Paciente", em idiomas português e inglês. Resultados: Foram agrupados em duas categorias temáticas: "Ações de educação em saúde e enfermagem" e "Educação em saúde e a transformação do conhecimento pelos usuários", de modo a permitir uma compreensão dos dados encontrados. Considerações Finais: O processo pedagógico na realização de uma atividade educativa em enfermagem pode apresentar melhor resultado, quando aplicado com a confiança de um bom atendimento para um fácil aprendizado

Introduction: Health education promotes a strategy that enhances nursing care by involving educational activities in patient care. Objective: Reflect on the health education actions carried out by nursing and the construction of the link for the transfer of scientific knowledge aimed at the area. Method: The text is a narrative review based on national and international journals. The bases consulted were: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Regional Library of Medicine (BIREME) and Virtual Health Library (VHL) using the descriptors: "Health Education"; "Nursing" and "Patient", in Portuguese and English. Results: They were grouped into two thematic categories: "Health and nursing education actions" and "Health education and the transformation of knowledge by users", in order to allow an understanding of the data found. Final considerations: The pedagogical process in carrying out an educational activity in nursing can present a better result, when applied with the confidence of good service for easy learning

Type of shelter and first description of the echolocation call of disk-winged bat (Thyroptera devivoi) / Tipo de abrigo e primeira descrição da chamada de ecolocalização de morcegos com asas de disco (Thyroptera devivoi)

Abstract: Thyropteridae is a family of bats endemic to the Neotropical region, and Thyroptera devivoi is the only species in the family that occurs exclusively in forest patches within savannas of northern South America and north of the Brazilian Cerrado. Primary data on the species are still scarce. Therefore, in this study our objective was to fill knowledge gaps on geographical distribution, roost-use, and echolocation for the species. We observed a T. devivoi colony of 15 individuals living under a dead palm leaf. The bats used the leaf as a roost for at least four days. After capturing one individual, we confirmed the species identification via skull size and the oblong shape of the adhesive disk. The new record reinforces the association of this species with non-forested formations, and its occurrence mainly in savannas. Echolocation calls of T. devivoi are consistent with those known for the genus, with multiharmonic, low intensity and high frequency pulses. Despite these new data, more studies are certainly needed to enhance distribution data for the species, as well as to clarify the biological and ecological requirements of the species.

Resumo: Thyropteridae é uma família de morcegos endêmica da região Neotropical e Thyroptera devivoi é a única espécie da família que ocorre exclusivamente em manchas florestais das savanas do norte de América do Sul e do Cerrado Brasileiro. Dados primários da espécie são ainda escassos e o objetivo deste estudo foi preencher lacunas de conhecimento sobre distribuição geográfica, uso de abrigos e padrões de ecolocalização da espécie. Nós observamos uma colônia de T. devivoi com 15 indivíduos vivendo sob uma folha morta de palmeira. Os morcegos usaram a folha como abrigo ao menos por quatro dias. Depois de capturar um indivíduo, nós confirmamos a identificação da espécie por meio da morfologia do crânio e do disco adesivo. O novo registro reforça a associação da espécie com formações não florestais e a ocorrência principalmente em savanas. Os chamados de ecolocalização de T. devivoi são consistentes com o conhecido para o gênero, com pulsos multi-harmônicos de baixa intensidade e alta frequência. A despeito destes novos dados, mais estudos são certamente necessários para aprimorar os dados de distribuição assim como os requerimentos biológicos da espécie.

Reflexão sobre a classificação de risco como tendência para o pronto-socorro infantil / Reflection on risk classification as a trend for the infant emergency room / La reflexión sobre la calificación de riesgo como una tendencia para la emergencia del niño

Objetivo: explanar acerca da classificação de risco como uma tendência para o serviço de pronto-socorro infantil. Método: trata-se de um ensaio teórico-reflexivo, realizado no período de maio de 2017 a outubro de 2018, fundamentando na literatura encontrada nas bases de dados: PubMed, CINAHL e LILACS. Os descritores utilizados foram: "Medição de Risco", "Serviços Médicos de Emergência", "Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência", "Pediatria", "Identificação da Emergência"; "Triagem" e "Superlotação". Foram utilizados como critérios de inclusão: publicações em português, inglês e espanhol, no período de 2000 a 2016, com textos completos disponíveis gratuitamente. Excluídas as publicações que não se relacionavam à temática do estudo e que apresentassem duplicidade. Resultados: a classificação de risco mostra-se como tendência, com possibilidade de avançar, uma vez que a solução de muitos dos fatores que contribuem para a superlotação dos prontossocorros acarretaria maiores custos financeiros do que a implantação da classificação de risco infantil. Considerações Finais: a classificação de risco pode contribuir para a organização dos atendimentos ao cliente pediátrico que, procura por atendimento em prontos-socorros sem critérios clínicos.(AU)

Objective: to explain about the classification of risk as a tendency for the emergency room service for children. Method: it is a theoretical-reflective essay, carried out from May 2017 to October 2018, based on the literature found in the databases: PubMed, CINAHL and LILACS. The descriptors used were: "Risk Measurement", "Emergency Medical Services", "Emergency Hospital Service", "Pediatrics", "Emergency Identification", "Screening" and "Overcrowding". Inclusion criteria were: publications in Portuguese, English and Spanish, from 2000 to 2016, with full texts available free of charge. Publications that were not related to the subject of the study and which presented duplicity were excluded. Results: the risk classification is a trend with the possibility of advancing, since the solution of many of the factors that contribute to the overcrowding of the emergency rooms would entail higher financial costs than the implantation of the classification of child risk. Final Considerations: risk classification may contribute to the organization of pediatric care to the patient that seeks care in emergency rooms without clinical criteria.(AU)

Objetivo: explicar acerca de la clasificación de riesgo como una tendencia al servicio de socorro infantil. Método: se trata de un ensayo teórico-reflexivo, realizado en el período de mayo de 2017 a octubre de 2018, fundamentando en la literatura encontrada en las bases de datos: PubMed, CINAHL y LILACS. Los descriptores utilizados fueron: "Medición de Riesgo", "Servicios Médicos de Emergencia", "Servicio Hospitalario de Emergencia", "Pediatría", "Identificación de la Emergencia"; "Triage" y "Superlotación". Fueron utilizados como criterios de inclusión: publicaciones en portugués, Inglés y Español, de 2000 a 2016, con el texto completo de libre acceso. Excluidas las publicaciones que no se relacionaban a la temática del estudio y que presentasen duplicidad. Resultados: la clasificación de riesgo se muestra como tendencia, con posibilidad de avanzar, ya que la solución de muchos de los factores que contribuyen a la superpoblación de los prontos de socorro acarrearía mayores costos financieros que la implantación de la clasificación de riesgo infantil. Consideraciones finales: la clasificación de riesgo puede contribuir a la organización de las atenciones al cliente pediátrico que, busca por atención en prontos de socorro sin criterios clínicos.(AU)

Predictive role of Trimprob associated with multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of TRIMprob test to detect prostate cancer (PCa) in patients referred to prostate biopsy (PB). Material and Methods Patients with PSA <10ng/mL and rectal exam without findings suggestive of prostate cancer were selected for TRIMprob evaluation. Exam was performed by a single operator through transperineal approach. Patients admitted for the study were submitted to TRIMprob and multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) and posteriorly to PB. Results In total, 77 patients were included. TRIMprob showed evidences of PCa in 25 (32.5%) and was negative in 52 patients (67.5%). The rate of detection of prostate cancer at biopsy was higher in patients with positive TRIMprob (16/25; 64.0%) than in patients with negative TRIMprob (11/52; 21.1%; p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of TRIMprob were respectively 61.5%, 82.0%, 64.0%, 80.3% and 74.0%. ROC curve showed the following areas under the curve values for TRIMprob, mpMRI and combination of TRIMprob + mpMRI: 0.706; 0.662 and 0.741 respectively. At combined analysis, when both TRIMprob and mpMRI were negative for prostate cancer, accuracy was 96.3% or only 1 in 27 PB was positive (3.7%). Conclusions Trimprob had similar predictive value for PCa in patients submitted to PB as mpMRI. Combined TRIMprob and mpMRI showed higher accuracy than when performed singly.

Predictive role of Trimprob associated with multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of TRIMprob test to detect prostate cancer (PCa) in patients referred to prostate biopsy (PB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with PSA <10ng/mL and rectal exam without findings suggestive of prostate cancer were selected for TRIMprob evaluation. Exam was performed by a single operator through transperineal approach. Patients admitted for the study were submitted to TRIMprob and multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) and posteriorly to PB. RESULTS: In total, 77 patients were included. TRIMprob showed evidences of PCa in 25 (32.5%) and was negative in 52 patients (67.5%). The rate of detection of prostate cancer at biopsy was higher in patients with positive TRIMprob (16/25; 64.0%) than in patients with negative TRIMprob (11/52; 21.1%; p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of TRIMprob were respectively 61.5%, 82.0%, 64.0%, 80.3% and 74.0%. ROC curve showed the following areas under the curve values for TRIMprob, mpMRI and combination of TRIMprob + mpMRI: 0.706; 0.662 and 0.741 respectively. At combined analysis, when both TRIMprob and mpMRI were negative for prostate cancer, accuracy was 96.3% or only 1 in 27 PB was positive (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Trimprob had similar predictive value for PCa in patients submitted to PB as mpMRI. Combined TRIMprob and mpMRI showed higher accuracy than when performed singly.

Cytotoxic, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity effects of guanylhydrazone derivatives.

Several studies have reported that guanylhydrazones display a variety of desirable biological properties, such as antihypertensive, antibacterial, and antimalarial behaviour. They furthermore promote anti-pneumocystosis and anti-trypanosomiasis, exhibit antitumor activity, and show significant cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. In this work, we have evaluated the cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity of two guanylhydrazones derivatives, (E)-2-[(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl) methylene] hydrazine carboxymidamide hydrochloride (2,3-DMeB) and (E)-2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) methylene] hydrazine carboxymidamide hydrochloride (3,4-DMeB), in different biological models. Both 2,3-DMeB and 3,4-DMeB induce weak cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in bacteria and yeast. The genotoxicity of these compounds was determined in a fibroblast cell line (V79) using alkaline comet assay, as well as a modified comet assay with bacterial enzymes formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase (FPG) and endonuclease III (EndoIII). Both guanylhydrazone derivatives induced DNA damage. Treatment of V79 cells with EndoIII and FPG proteins demonstrated a significant effect of 2,3-DMeB and 3,4-DMeB with respect to oxidized bases. In addition, the derivatives induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells at high doses. The antifungal and anti-trypanosomal properties of these guanylhydrazone derivatives were also evaluated, and the obtained results suggest that 2,3-DMeB is more effective than 3,4-DMeB. The biological activity of 2,3-DMeB and 3,4-DMeB may thus be related, at least in part, to their oxidative potential, as well as to their ability to interact with DNA. Considering the previously reported in vitro antitumor activity of guanylhydrazone derivatives in combination with the lack of acute toxicity and the fact that DNA damage is only observed at high doses should render both compounds good candidates for in vivo studies on antitumor activity.

Antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects of diphenyl ditelluride against several known mutagens in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts.

The present study evaluates antigenotoxic and antimutagenic properties of diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) against several known mutagens in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). DPDT was not cytotoxic and genotoxic at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 µM. The pre-treatment for 2h with this organotellurium compound at non-cytotoxic dose range (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 µM) increased cell survival after challenge with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), methylmethanesulphonate (MMS) or ultraviolet (UV)C radiation. In addition, the pre-treatment with DPDT decreased the DNA damage and Formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase (Fpg)- and Endonuclease III (Endo III) sensitive sites induction by the studied genotoxic agents, as verified by comet assay and modified comet assay, respectively. The pre-treatment also reduced micronucleus frequency, revealing the protector effect of DPDT against MMS and UVC-induced mutagenesis. Our results demonstrate that DPDT-treated cells at concentration range of 0.01-0.1 µM do not change thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and ROS generation. Moreover, DPDT pre-treatment at this concentration range decreases the ROS induction by H2O2 and t-BOOH treatment indicating antioxidant potential. On the other hand, concentrations higher than 0.1 µM increase TBARS formation and inhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, suggesting pro-oxidative effect of this compound at high concentrations. Our results suggest that DPDT presents antigenotoxic and antimutagenic properties at concentration range of 0.01-0.1 µM. The protection effect could be attributed to antioxidant capacity of DPDT at this concentration range in V79 cells.

Diphenyl ditelluride-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis: a relation with topoisomerase I inhibition.

The diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) is a prototype for the development of new biologically active molecules. In previous studies, DPDT showed an elevated cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells but the mechanisms for reduction of cell viability still remain unknown. DPDT showed mutagenic properties by induction of frameshift mutations in bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This organotelluride also induced DNA strand breaks in V79 cells. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of DPDT cytotoxicity by evaluating the effects of this compound on cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction and topoisomerase I inhibition. Significant decrease of V79 cell viability after DPDT treatment was revealed by MTT assay. Morphological analysis showed induction of apoptosis and necrosis by DPDT in V79 cells. An increase of caspase 3/7 activity confirmed apoptosis induction. The cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the percentage of V79 cells in S phase and sub-G1 phase. The yeast strain deficient in topoisomerase I (Topo I) showed higher tolerance to DPDT compared with the isogenic wild-type strain, suggesting that the interaction with this enzyme could be involved in DPDT toxicity. The sensitivity to DPDT found in top3∆ strain indicates that yeast topoisomerase 3 (Top3p) could participate in the repair of DNA lesions induced by the DPDT. We also demonstrated that DPDT inhibits human DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) activity by DNA relaxation assay. Therefore, our results suggest that the DPDT-induced cell cycle arrest and reduction in cell viability could be attributed to interaction with topoisomerase I enzyme.

Dicholesteroyl diselenide: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts.

The organoselenium compound, dicholesteroyl diselenide (DCDS) is a structural analogue of diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) and may be considered as a promising antioxidant drug in vivo. Nevertheless, little is known about the toxicological properties of DCDS. In the present study we evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties of DCDS in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79) and in strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, proficient and deficient in several DNA-repair pathways. The results with V79 cells show that DCDS induced cytotoxicity, GSH depletion and elevation of lipid peroxidation at lower concentrations than did DPDS. DCDS also generated single- and double-strand DNA breaks in V79 cells, both in the presence and in the absence of metabolic activation, as revealed by alkaline and neutral comet assays. Moreover, the induction of oxidative DNA base-damage was demonstrated by means of a modified comet assay with formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase and endonuclease III. Treatment with DCDS also induced micronucleus formation in V79 cells as well as point and frame-shift mutations in a haploid wild-type strain of S. cerevisiae. Yeast mutants defective in base excision-repair proteins were the most sensitive to DCDS. Pre-incubation with N-acetylcysteine reduced DCDS's oxidative, genotoxic and mutagenic effects in yeast and in V79 cells. Our findings indicate that the presence of cholesteroyl substituents in DCDS results in elevation of its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential compared with that of DPDS in yeast and in V79 cells. However, due to dose-dependent contrasting behaviour of organoselenium compounds and differences in their toxicity in in vitro and in vivo systems, further studies are needed in order to establish the non-toxic concentration range for treatment in mammals.

Professional responsibility and nerve damage: court Case related to surgical grafts / Responsabilidade profissional e lesões nervosas: caso judicial relacionado a enxertos cirúrgicos

During implant placement and surgical practice, it is not uncommon the contact or the violation of the continuity of important nerve fibers from the region of the mouth, resulting in characteristic symptoms in patients. Such injuries can result in legal repercussions against the dental surgeon, who to avoid them shall establish specific actions in his proceeding. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to present a forensic case, emphasizing the legal care that the dentist must have in the course of treatment and to guide forensic dentistry experts during the expertise exam. Case description: In this case, the patient had complications after the autogenous bone graft surgery. The graft was resorbed, and the patient had hypoesthesia in the graft donor area. The dental surgeon had not informed her about the risks of surgery, and had not applied the Consent Form. With proof of damage, there was disruption of the doctor-patient relationship and patient sought rights in court. Conclusion: The correct diagnosis and planning, the prior written consent, including the risks of the procedure, and appropriate management of patients decrease the clinical and legal complications in cases of dental error. Similarly, the expert must have a competent clinical approach, performing the indicated and appropriated tests for the proper valuation of the damage generated...

Durante a prática cirúrgica e implantodôntica, não é raro ocorrer o contato ou a violação da continuidade de fibras nervosas importantes da região bucal, resultando em sintomas característicos nos pacientes. Tais injúrias podem resultar em repercussões legais contra o cirurgião dentista, que, para evitá-las, deve estabelecer medidas específicas durante sua atuação. Objetivo: O objetivo do trabalho foi apresentar um caso pericial, enfatizando os cuidados legais que o cirurgião-dentista deve ter no decorrer do tratamento, bem como orientar peritos da área durante o exame pericial. Descrição do caso: No caso relatado, a paciente apresentou complicações após cirurgia de enxerto ósseo autógeno para a colocação de implantes. O enxerto foi reabsorvido, e a paciente apresentou hipoestesia na região doadora do enxerto. O cirurgião dentista não a tinha informado sobre os riscos da cirurgia, e não houve aplicação de Termo de Consentimento. Com a comprovação do dano, ocorreu o rompimento da relação profissionalpaciente e a paciente procurou os direitos judicialmente. Conclusão: O correto diagnóstico e planejamento, o consentimento escrito prévio, incluindo os riscos do procedimento, e a adequada abordagem do paciente diminuem as complicações de natureza clínica e legal nos casos de erro odontológico. Da mesma forma, o perito deve ter uma abordagem clínica competente, realizando testes indicados e apropriados para a avaliação adequada do dano gerado...

Natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, State of Rondônia, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in Orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods). METHODS: Capture of triatomines on babassus and microscopic search for trypanosomatids in their digestive tube were carried out. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four (494) specimens were captured (Rhodnius prolixus and R.robustus), of which 35.6% of the triatomines were positive for trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS: The high index of natural infection along with the abundance of triatomines points out to the necessity to create an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor vector-borne transmission and deepen the studies on the ecology of such vectors in the Amazon.

Natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, State of Rondônia, Brazil / Infecção natural de triatomíneos (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) por tripanosomatídeos em dois ambientes distintos no município de Ouro Preto do Oeste, Estado de Rondônia, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in Orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods). METHODS: Capture of triatomines on babassus and microscopic search for trypanosomatids in their digestive tube were carried out. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four (494) specimens were captured (Rhodnius prolixus and R.robustus), of which 35.6% of the triatomines were positive for trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS: The high index of natural infection along with the abundance of triatomines points out to the necessity to create an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor vector-borne transmission and deepen the studies on the ecology of such vectors in the Amazon.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estudo analisou a ocorrência e o índice de contaminação por tripanosomatídeos de triatomíneos em Orbynia speciosa no Estado de Rondônia, Brasil, em 2 ambientes (pastagem e floresta). MÉTODOS: Captura em palmeiras e esfregaços do conteúdo do tubo digestivo dos triatomíneos analisados por microscopia óptica. RESULTADOS: Capturaram-se 494 espécimes (Rhodnius prolixus e R. robustus), sendo que 35,6% dos triatomíneos estavam positivos para tripanosomatídeos. CONCLUSÕES: O elevado índice de infecção natural, aliados à abundância de triatomíneos, mostram a necessidade de se criar um sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para monitorar a transmissão vetorial e aprofundar estudos sobre a ecologia destes vetores na Amazônia.

DNA damage in organs of mice treated acutely with patulin, a known mycotoxin.

Patulin, a known mycotoxin, is considered a significant contaminant in apples, apple-derived products and feeds. This study investigated the genotoxic effects of patulin in multiple organs (brain, kidney, liver and urinary bladder) of mice using an in vivo comet assay. We assessed the mechanism underlying this genotoxicity by measuring the GSH content and the thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) level. Male CF-1 mice were given 1.0-3.75 mg/kg patulin intraperitoneally. The effect of patulin was dose-dependent and the highest patulin dose induced DNA strand breaks in the brain (damage index, DI, in hippocampus increased from 36.2 in control animals to 127.5), liver (44.3-138.4) and kidneys (31.5-99); decreased levels of GSH (hippocampus--from 46.9 to 18.4 nmol/mg protein); and an increase in lipid peroxidation (hippocampus--from 5.8 to 20.3 MDA equivalents/mg protein). This finding establishes an interrelationship between the pro-oxidant and genotoxic effects of patulin. Pre-treatment administration of N-acetyl-cysteine reduced patulin-induced DNA damage (hippocampus--DI from 127.5 to 39.8) and lipid peroxidation (hippocampus--20.3 to 12.8 MDA equivalents/mg protein) by restoring cellular GSH levels, reinforcing the positive relationship between patulin-induced GSH depletion and DNA damage caused by systemic administration of this mycotoxin.

First report of Eratyrus mucronatus, Stal, 1859, (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), in the State of Rondônia, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This paper reports, for the first time, the presence of the Eratyrus mucronatus species in the State of Rondonia, Brazil. METHODS: These specimens were caught by chance in the forest and later they were collected using luminous traps. RESULTS: After finding these specimens, the number of the Triatominae genera in Rondonia rose to four, while its species rose to seven. CONCLUSIONS: Complimentary studies will be conducted in order to allow for clearer understanding the ecology of this arthropod, its possible role in transmitting Chagas' disease and its current geographical distribution.

First report of Eratyrus mucronatus, Stal, 1859, (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), in the State of Rondônia, Brazil / Primeiro relato de ocorrência da espécie Eratyrus mucronatus, Stal, 1859, (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), no Estado de Rondônia

INTRODUCTION: This paper reports, for the first time, the presence of the Eratyrus mucronatus species in the State of Rondonia, Brazil. METHODS: These specimens were caught by chance in the forest and later they were collected using luminous traps. RESULTS: After finding these specimens, the number of the Triatominae genera in Rondonia rose to four, while its species rose to seven. CONCLUSIONS: Complimentary studies will be conducted in order to allow for clearer understanding the ecology of this arthropod, its possible role in transmitting Chagas' disease and its current geographical distribution.

INTRODUÇÃO: O presente comunicado relata pela primeira vez a ocorrência da espécie Eratyrus mucronatus, no Estado de Rondônia. MÉTODOS: Os espécimes foram coletados ao acaso na mata e depois com a ajuda de armadilhas luminosas. RESULTADOS: Com o encontro dos espécimes, o registro de gêneros de triatomíneos em Rondônia passa para quatro e o de espécies para sete. CONCLUSÕES: Estudos complementares serão realizados para compreender melhor a ecologia do artrópodo, seu eventual papel da transmissão da doença de Chagas e sua real distribuição geográfica.

NAP prevents acute cerebral oxidative stress and protects against long-term brain injury and cognitive impairment in a model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a common cause of neonatal brain damage with lifelong morbidities in which current therapies are limited. In this study, we investigated the effect of neuropeptide NAP (NAPVSIPQ) on early cerebral oxidative stress, long-term neurological function and brain injury after neonatal HI. Seven-day-old rat pups were subjected to an HI model by applying a unilateral carotid artery occlusion and systemic hypoxia. The animals were randomly assigned to groups receiving an intraperitoneal injection of NAP (3 µg/g) or vehicle immediately (0 h) and 24 h after HI. Brain DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were determined 24 h after the last NAP injection. Cognitive impairment was assessed on postnatal day 60 using the spatial version of the Morris water maze learning task. Next, the animals were euthanized to assess the cerebral hemispheric volume using the Cavalieri principle associated with the counting point method. We observed that NAP prevented the acute HI-induced DNA and lipid membrane damage and also recovered the GSH levels in the injured hemisphere of the HI rat pups. Further, NAP was able to prevent impairments in learning and long-term spatial memory and to significantly reduce brain damage up to 7 weeks following the neonatal HI injury. Our findings demonstrate that NAP confers potent neuroprotection from acute brain oxidative stress, long-term cognitive impairment and brain lesions induced by neonatal HI through, at least in part, the modulation of the glutathione-mediated antioxidant system.

Características demográficas (sexo e idade) e as atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária em adultos e idosos saudáveis / Demographic characteristics (age and sex) and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in adults and elderly healthy

Introdução: A sociedade está envelhecendo, e dentre os comprometimentos advindos do avanço cronológico da idade está a incapacidade funcional. Objetivo: Identificar e analisar as relações entre características demográficas (sexo e idade) e as atividades básicas e instrumentais de Vida Diária em adultos e idosos saudáveis. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal, em 2008, com 75 indivíduos. Para a avaliação das atividades básicas e instrumentais, foram empregados o Índice de Katz e a Escala de Lawton, respectivamente. Resultados: Houve apenas diferença significativa, quando comparadas as atividades instrumentais com o sexo, observando uma menor capacidade do homem em realizar tarefas como arrumar a casa, preparar as refeições e lavar e passar as roupas. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que a idade influencia no processo de envelhecimento, que o sexo está relacionado à execução de atividades domésticas e que o estilo de vida adotado pelo indivíduo interfere diretamente na sua qualidade de vida.

Introduction: The society is aging, and among the compromises that come with advancing chronological age, is the occurrence of disability. Objective: To identify and analyze the relationship between demographic characteristics (age and gender) and the basic activities of daily living for healthy adults and seniors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, in 2008, with 75 individuals. For the evaluation of basic and instrumental activities were employed the Katz Index and the Lawton Scale, respectively. Results: There were significant differences only when comparing the instrumental activities with the gender, observing a smaller man?s ability to perform tasks like cleaning the house, preparing meals and washing and ironing clothes. Conclusions: The results suggest that age influences the aging process, sex is related to the performance of household activities and the lifestyle adopted by the individual directly influences its quality of life.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects of biflorin, an antitumor 1,4 o-naphthoquinone isolated from Capraria biflora L.

Biflorin is a natural quinone isolated from Capraria biflora L. Previous studies demonstrated that biflorin inhibits in vitro and in vivo tumor cell growth and presents potent antioxidant activity. In this paper, we report concentration-dependent cytotoxic, genotoxic, antimutagenic, and protective effects of biflorin on Salmonella tiphymurium, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and V79 mammalian cells, using different approaches. In the Salmonella/microsome assay, biflorin was not mutagenic to TA97a TA98, TA100, and TA102 strains. However, biflorin was able to induce cytotoxicity in haploid S. cerevisiae cells in stationary and exponential phase growth. In diploid yeast cells, biflorin did not induce significant mutagenic and recombinogenic effects at the employed concentration range. In addition, the pre-treatment with biflorin prevented the mutagenic and recombinogenic events induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in S. cerevisiae. In V79 mammalian cells, biflorin was cytotoxic at higher concentrations. Moreover, at low concentrations biflorin pre-treatment protected against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage by reducing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage as evaluated by normal and modified comet assay using DNA glycosylases. Our results suggest that biflorin cellular effects are concentration dependent. At lower concentrations, biflorin has significant antioxidant and protective effects against the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and intracellular lipid peroxidation induced by H(2)O(2) in yeast and mammalian cells, which can be attributed to its hydroxyl radical-scavenging property. However, at higher concentrations, biflorin is cytotoxic and genotoxic.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity of diphenyl ditelluride in several biological models.

Diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) is a potential prototype for the development of novel biologically active molecules. Thus, it is important to evaluate the toxic effects of this compound. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties of DPDT in Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells, in strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae both proficient and deficient in several DNA repair pathways and in Salmonella typhimurium. DPDT induced frameshift mutations in both S.typhimurium and a haploid wild-type strain of S.cerevisiae. Mutants of S.cerevisiae defective in base excision repair and recombinational repair were more sensitive to DPDT. The results of a lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay suggest that DPDT is cytotoxic to V79 cells. At cytotoxic concentrations, this compound increased thiobarbituric reactive species levels and decreased the glutathione:GSSH ratio in yeast and V79 cells. DPDT generated single- and double-strand DNA breaks in V79 cells, both with and without metabolic activation, as revealed by alkaline and neutral comet assays. Moreover, an induction of oxidative DNA base damage was indicated by a modified comet assay using formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase and endonuclease III. Treatment with DPDT also induced micronucleus formation in V79 cells. Pre-incubation with N-acetylcysteine reduced DPDT's oxidative, genotoxic and mutagenic effects in yeast and V79 cells. Our results suggest that the toxic and mutagenic properties of DPDT may stem from its ability to disturb the redox balance of the cell, which leads to oxidative stress and the induction of DNA damage.