Diverticulitis de Meckel, una causa poco frecuente de abdomen agudo / Meckel's diverticulitis, an uncommon cause of acute abdomen

Resumen El divertículo de Meckel (DM) corresponde a la involución aberrante del canal onfalo-mesentérico o conducto vitelino, el cual se ubica a nivel del borde antimesentérico del íleon terminal. Es la anomalía estructural más común del tracto gastrointestinal, casi siempre es asintomático y su diagnóstico por lo general es incidental, sin embargo, la complica ción con diverticulitis es una condición poco usual. Describimos el caso de un hombre de 65 años, que ingresó referido de otra institución con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo, al examen físico presentó signos de irritación peritoneal con evidencia de leucocitosis y neutrofilia en hemograma de ingreso. Se realizó tomografía computarizada de abdomen con contraste endovenoso, la cual se interpretó como diverticulitis de Meckel complicada, siendo corroborado durante el acto quirúrgico y confirmado mediante anatomía patológica. La diverticulitis de Meckel es una entidad rara, sin embargo, es importante reconocerla dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales de abdomen agudo, lo cual permitirá una pronta intervención y un favorable desenlace.

Abstract Meckel's diverticulum corresponds to the aberrant invo lution of the omphalo-mesenteric canal or vitelline duct, which is located at the level of the antimesenteric border of the terminal ileum. It is the most common structural anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, it is almost always asymptomatic and its diagnosis is usually incidental, how ever the complication with diverticulitis is an unusual con dition. We describe the case of a 65-year-oldman, who was admitted from another institution with a diagnosis of acute abdomen. On physical examination, he presented signs of peritoneal irritation with evidence of leukocytosis and neutrophilia in the admission blood count. Computerized tomography of the abdomen with intra venous contrast was performed, which was interpreted as complicated Meckel's diverticulitis, being corroborated during the surgical act and confirmed by pathological anatomy. Meckel's diverticulitis is a rare entity, however it is important to recognize it within the differential diagnoses of acute abdomen, which will allow prompt intervention and a favorable outcome.

Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on hemodynamic and autonomic profile of elastase-2 knockout mice.

Elastase-2 (ELA-2) is an angiotensin II-generating enzyme that participates in the cardiovascular system. ELA-2 is involved in hemodynamic and autonomic control and is upregulated in myocardial infarction and hypertension. The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) increased ELA-2 expression in the carotid arteries and heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of ACE inhibition in hemodynamic and autonomic balance in elastase-2 knockout (ELA-2 KO) mice. Male ELA-2 KO and C57BL/6 mice were treated with the ACE inhibitor enalapril or saline for 10 days. After treatment, mice underwent surgery for cannulation of the femoral artery and arterial pressure recordings were made five days later in awake animals. The variability of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse interval (PI) was evaluated in the time and frequency domain. Spontaneous baroreflex was assessed by the sequencing method. ACE inhibition caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (117±2.2 vs 100±2.8 mmHg) and an increase in heart rate (570±32 vs 655±15 bpm) in ELA-2 KO mice. Despite a tendency towards reduction in the overall heart rate variability (standard deviation of successive values: 7.6±1.1 vs 4.7±0.6 ms, P=0.08), no changes were found in the root of the mean sum of squares or in the power of the high-frequency band. ACE inhibition did not change the spontaneous baroreflex indices (gain and baroreflex effectiveness index) in ELA-2 KO mice. Altogether, this data suggested that ACE played a role in the maintenance of hemodynamic function in ELA-2 KO mice.

Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on hemodynamic and autonomic profile of elastase-2 knockout mice

Elastase-2 (ELA-2) is an angiotensin II-generating enzyme that participates in the cardiovascular system. ELA-2 is involved in hemodynamic and autonomic control and is upregulated in myocardial infarction and hypertension. The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) increased ELA-2 expression in the carotid arteries and heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of ACE inhibition in hemodynamic and autonomic balance in elastase-2 knockout (ELA-2 KO) mice. Male ELA-2 KO and C57BL/6 mice were treated with the ACE inhibitor enalapril or saline for 10 days. After treatment, mice underwent surgery for cannulation of the femoral artery and arterial pressure recordings were made five days later in awake animals. The variability of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse interval (PI) was evaluated in the time and frequency domain. Spontaneous baroreflex was assessed by the sequencing method. ACE inhibition caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (117±2.2 vs 100±2.8 mmHg) and an increase in heart rate (570±32 vs 655±15 bpm) in ELA-2 KO mice. Despite a tendency towards reduction in the overall heart rate variability (standard deviation of successive values: 7.6±1.1 vs 4.7±0.6 ms, P=0.08), no changes were found in the root of the mean sum of squares or in the power of the high-frequency band. ACE inhibition did not change the spontaneous baroreflex indices (gain and baroreflex effectiveness index) in ELA-2 KO mice. Altogether, this data suggested that ACE played a role in the maintenance of hemodynamic function in ELA-2 KO mice.

A novel feeding behavior index integrating several components of the feeding behavior of finishing pigs.

Describing the feeding behavior of pigs is difficult given the large day-to-day variations observed for a given animal. The objectives of this study were to create an index that integrates the information from several components of feeding behavior in order to account for intra-animal variation within a day and between days, and to evaluate the capability of this index to study the impact of relevant nutritional factors affecting feeding behavior. Feed intake information from 160 pigs during the last 28 d of the growing phase from three studies was used. For each pig, the sum of the absolute values of the deviation areas between the regression line of the relative cumulative feed intake and the observed cumulative feed intake was used to calculate the weekly index measuring the irregularity of feed intake (IIFI). Spearman's correlations of IIFI with the number of daily meals (r = -0.42; P < 0.001), meal duration (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), and feed intake per meal (r = 0.41; P < 0.01) indicate that pigs with high IIFI have fewer meals of longer duration and higher feed intake compared to pigs with low IIFI. This shows that IIFI captures information from several components of feeding behavior. Analysis of variance showed no effect of treatment on feeding behavior for datasets 1 and 2. However, the correlation between IIFI and dietary levels of CP (r = 0.34) indicates that diets high in CP were associated with pigs having more irregular meals. In dataset 3, pig feeding behavior was more regular in control diets than in pigs fed fibrous diets (IIFI; 164 vs. 197, respectively; P < 0.05). Additionally, IIFI was smaller in pigs fed canola by-product diets than in pigs fed wheat by-product diets, indicating that the source of fiber may also influence the feeding behavior of pigs. In most cases, IIFI was more effective at identifying differences in feeding behavior between dietary treatments than conventional feeding behavior variables. These results show the ability of IIFI to integrate information from several conventional components of the feeding behavior of pigs and its potential to successfully evaluate the effect of nutritional factors on feeding behavior.

Leiomiosarcoma retroperitoneal con resección de vena cava / Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma with resection of the vena cava

RESUMEN El leiomiosarcoma vascular es un tumor maligno de baja incidencia cuya localización más frecuente es la vena vava inferior (VCI). Se presenta habitualmente en la 6a década de la vida. Según su localización se describen 3 tipos de acuerdo con su relación con las venas suprahepáticas y renales. Los cuadros clínicos de presentación son inespecíficos, ya que suelen debutar como hallazgos o con síndromes de congestión venosa pélvica/miembros inferiores. Su tratamiento quirúrgico radical requiere un equipo multidisciplinario entrenado en cirugía retrope ritoneal y vascular.

ABSTRACT Vascular leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors and are usually localized in the inferior vena cava (IVC). They usually occur in the 6th decade of life. They are classified into 3 groups according to the relation with the hepatic and renal veins. The clinical presentation is unspecific, ranging from an incidental finding to symptoms of venous pelvis congestion of lower extremity edema. Radical resection is the treatment of choice and requires multidisciplinary team trained in retroperitoneal and vascular surgery.

MCO: towards an ontology and unified vocabulary for a framework-based annotation of microbial growth conditions.

MOTIVATION: A major component in increasing our understanding of the biology of an organism is the mapping of its genotypic potential into its phenotypic expression profiles. This mapping is executed by the machinery of gene regulation, which is essentially studied by changes in growth conditions. Although many efforts have been made to systematize the annotation of experimental conditions in microbiology, the available annotations are not based on a consistent and controlled vocabulary, making difficult the identification of biologically meaningful comparisons of knowledge derived from different experiments or laboratories. RESULTS: We curated terms related to experimental conditions that affect gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12. Since this is the best-studied microorganism, the collected terms are the seed for the Microbial Conditions Ontology (MCO), a controlled and structured vocabulary that can be expanded to annotate microbial conditions in general. Moreover, we developed an annotation framework to describe experimental conditions, providing the foundation to identify regulatory networks that operate under particular conditions. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: As far as we know, MCO is the first ontology for growth conditions of any bacterial organism, and it is available at http://regulondb.ccg.unam.mx and https://github.com/microbial-conditions-ontology. Furthermore, we will disseminate MCO throughout the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry in order to set a standard for the annotation of gene expression data. This will enable comparison of data from diverse data sources. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Elastase-2 Knockout Mice Display Anxiogenic- and Antidepressant-Like Phenotype: Putative Role for BDNF Metabolism in Prefrontal Cortex.

Several pieces of evidence indicate that elastase-2 (ELA2; chymotrypsin-like ELA2) is an alternative pathway to the generation of angiotensin II (ANGII). Elastase-2 knockout mice (ELA2KO) exhibit alterations in the arterial blood pressure and heart rate. However, there is no data on the behavioral consequences of ELA2 deletion. In this study, we addressed this question, submitting ELA2KO and wild-type (WT) mice to several models sensitive to anxiety- and depression-like, memory, and repetitive behaviors. Our data indicates a higher incidence of barbering behavior in ELA2KO compared to WT, as well as an anxiogenic phenotype, evaluated in the elevated plus maze (EPM). While a decrease in locomotor activity was observed in ELA2KO in EPM, this feature was not the main source of variation in the other parameters analyzed. The marble-burying test (MBT) indicated increase in repetitive behavior, observed by a higher number of buried marbles. The actimeter test indicated a decrease in total activity and confirmed the increase in repetitive behavior. The spatial memory was tested by repeated exposure to the actimeter in a 24-h interval. Both ELA2KO and WT exhibited decreased activity compared to the first exposure, without any distinction between the genotypes. However, when submitted to the cued fear conditioning, ELA2KO displayed lower levels of freezing behavior in the extinction session when compared to WT, but no difference was observed during the conditioning phase. Increased levels of BDNF were found in the prefrontal cortex but not in the hippocampus of ELA2KO mice compared to WT. Finally, in silico analysis indicates that ELA2 is putatively able to cleave BDNF, and incubation of the purified enzyme with BDNF led to the degradation of the latter. Our data suggested an anxiogenic- and antidepressant-like phenotype of ELA2KO, possibly associated with increased levels of BDNF in the prefrontal cortex.

Effect of different anesthetic agents on left ventricular systolic function assessed by echocardiography in hamsters.

Determination of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using in vivo imaging is the cardiac functional parameter most frequently employed in preclinical research. However, there is considerable conflict regarding the effects of anesthetic agents on LVEF. This study aimed at assessing the effects of various anesthetic agents on LVEF in hamsters using transthoracic echocardiography. Twelve female hamsters were submitted to echocardiography imaging separated by 1-week intervals under the following conditions: 1) conscious animals, 2) animals anesthetized with isoflurane (inhaled ISO, 3 L/min), 3) animals anesthetized with thiopental (TP, 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and 4) animals anesthetized with 100 mg/kg ketamine plus 10 mg/kg xylazine injected intramuscularly (K/X). LVEF obtained under the effect of anesthetics (ISO=62.2±3.1%, TP=66.2±2.7% and K/X=75.8±1.6%) was significantly lower than that obtained in conscious animals (87.5±1.7%, P<0.0001). The K/X combination elicited significantly higher LVEF values compared to ISO (P<0.001) and TP (P<0.05). K/X was associated with a lower dispersion of individual LVEF values compared to the other anesthetics. Under K/X, the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVdD) was increased (0.60±0.01 cm) compared to conscious animals (0.41±0.02 cm), ISO (0.51±0.02 cm), and TP (0.55±0.01 cm), P<0.0001. The heart rate observed with K/X was significantly lower than in the remaining conditions. These results indicate that the K/X combination may be the best anesthetic option for the in vivo assessment of cardiac systolic function in hamsters, being associated with a lower LVEF reduction compared to the other agents and showing values closer to those of conscious animals with a lower dispersion of results.

Correlation between RR, inter-systolic and inter-diastolic intervals and their differences for the analysis of spontaneous heart rate variability.

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is performed through interbeat interval time series derived from either electrocardiographic or arterial pressure (AP) recordings. However, little attention has been given to the reliability of calculating the time series from different sources, i.e. electrocardiogram (ECG) or pulse intervals (PI). Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between interbeat interval time series obtained from RR, inter-systolic (SS) and inter-diastolic (DD) intervals, as well as their impact on indices of HRV calculated from series of RR or PI. Conscious rats previously instrumented with subcutaneous electrodes and a catheter into the femoral artery were subjected to simultaneous ECG and AP recording for 5 min. Correlation and Bland-Altman plots between RR and PI were evaluated. Moreover, HRV was analyzed in time (mean cardiac interval, SDNN and RMSSD) and frequency domain (power in LF and HF spectral bands) as well as by nonlinear approaches (symbolic dynamics and sample entropy). First, RR showed a stronger correlation with PI calculated by DD than SS. Second, most HRV indices showed similar results when calculated with RR or DD series, but not with SS series. Considering RR interval as the gold standard for the calculation of cardiac cycle, when using PI inter diastolic intervals are the better choice to study HRV. These findings are quite relevant, especially when AP recording is used for HRV analysis.

Assessment of the quality of compounded fluconazole capsules marketed in the region of Araraquara (SP, Brazil) / Avaliação da qualidade de cápsulas de fluconazol manipuladas comercializadas na região de Araraquara (SP, Brasil)

O controle de qualidade de fármacos desempenha um papel importante na saúde pública ao garantir segurança e eficácia de medicamentos. No sistema de saúde pública,as farmácias magistrais também são importantes. Elas fornecem medicamentos personalizados como produtos dermatológicos e doses específicas para crianças.Infelizmente, muitos casos de produtos magistrais fabricados fora do padrão mínimo de qualidade têm sido relatados no Brasil. Neste trabalho, a qualidade das cápsulas magistrais de fluconazol 150 mg foi avaliada e os resultados foram comparados com os valores recomendados pela Farmacopeia Brasileira. Os resultados sugerem que é possível manipular produtos que satisfaçam as especificações farmacopeicas, mas estes ainda mostram que há farmácias magistrais onde o controle de qualidade é deficiente ou inexistente. O fluconazol é um fármaco importante no tratamento de infecções fúngicas. Seu uso como forma farmacêutica manipulada sem elevados padrões de qualidade é fortemente relacionado com a falha terapêutica e intoxicações, assim como o surgimento de microorganismos resistentes. Portanto, a necessidade de melhoria dos processos nas farmácias magistrais se torna mais enfático. Existem métodos validados que podem ser utilizados com sucesso para a análise de rotina de controle de qualidade e que podem ser implementados por qualquer farmácia de manipulação...

The quality control of drugs has an important role in public health, in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medicines. In the public health system, compounding pharmacies play a vital part. They provide medicines tailored to the individual patient, for example dermatological products and specific doses for children. Unfortunately, many cases of compounded products falling below the minimum quality standard have been reported in Brazil. In this study, the quality of compounded 150 mg fluconazole capsules was assessed and the results were compared with values stipulated in the Brazilian pharmacopoeia. The results suggest that, while it is certainly possible to prepare products meeting pharmacopoeial specifications, there are pharmacies where the quality control is deficient or nonexistent. Fluconazole is an important drug in combatting fungal infections. The use of fluconazole in dosage forms manufactured without high standards of quality control is strongly linked to treatment failure and cases of intoxication, as well as the emergence of resistant microorganisms. This highlights the urgent need for process improvement in compounding pharmacies. There are validated methods that can be successfully employed for routine quality control analysis that can be implemented by any compounding pharmacy...

Time course of the hemodynamic responses to aortic depressor nerve stimulation in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats

The time to reach the maximum response of arterial pressure, heart rate and vascular resistance (hindquarter and mesenteric) was measured in conscious male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive control rats (NCR; Wistar; 18-22 weeks) subjected to electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve (ADN) under thiopental anesthesia. The parameters of stimulation were 1 mA intensity and 2 ms pulse length applied for 5 s, using frequencies of 10, 30, and 90 Hz. The time to reach the hemodynamic responses at different frequencies of ADN stimulation was similar for SHR (N = 15) and NCR (N = 14); hypotension = NCR (4194 ± 336 to 3695 ± 463 ms) vs SHR (3475 ± 354 to 4494 ± 300 ms); bradycardia = NCR (1618 ± 152 to 1358 ± 185 ms) vs SHR (1911 ± 323 to 1852 ± 431 ms), and the fall in hindquarter vascular resistance = NCR (6054 ± 486 to 6550 ± 847 ms) vs SHR (4849 ± 918 to 4926 ± 646 ms); mesenteric = NCR (5574 ± 790 to 5752 ± 539 ms) vs SHR (5638 ± 648 to 6777 ± 624 ms). In addition, ADN stimulation produced baroreflex responses characterized by a faster cardiac effect followed by a vascular effect, which together contributed to the decrease in arterial pressure. Therefore, the results indicate that there is no alteration in the conduction of the electrical impulse after the site of baroreceptor mechanical transduction in the baroreflex pathway (central and/or efferent) in conscious SHR compared to NCR.

Time course of the hemodynamic responses to aortic depressor nerve stimulation in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The time to reach the maximum response of arterial pressure, heart rate and vascular resistance (hindquarter and mesenteric) was measured in conscious male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive control rats (NCR; Wistar; 18-22 weeks) subjected to electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve (ADN) under thiopental anesthesia. The parameters of stimulation were 1 mA intensity and 2 ms pulse length applied for 5 s, using frequencies of 10, 30, and 90 Hz. The time to reach the hemodynamic responses at different frequencies of ADN stimulation was similar for SHR (N = 15) and NCR (N = 14); hypotension = NCR (4194 ± 336 to 3695 ± 463 ms) vs SHR (3475 ± 354 to 4494 ± 300 ms); bradycardia = NCR (1618 ± 152 to 1358 ± 185 ms) vs SHR (1911 ± 323 to 1852 ± 431 ms), and the fall in hindquarter vascular resistance = NCR (6054 ± 486 to 6550 ± 847 ms) vs SHR (4849 ± 918 to 4926 ± 646 ms); mesenteric = NCR (5574 ± 790 to 5752 ± 539 ms) vs SHR (5638 ± 648 to 6777 ± 624 ms). In addition, ADN stimulation produced baroreflex responses characterized by a faster cardiac effect followed by a vascular effect, which together contributed to the decrease in arterial pressure. Therefore, the results indicate that there is no alteration in the conduction of the electrical impulse after the site of baroreceptor mechanical transduction in the baroreflex pathway (central and/or efferent) in conscious SHR compared to NCR.

Comparison of HPLC and UV spectrophotometric methods for the determination of cefuroxime sodium in pharmaceutical products.

This paper describes the development and evaluation of a HPLC and UV spectrophotometric methods to quantify cefuroxime sodium in injectables. HPLC analysis were carried out using a C18 Wat 054275 column and a mobile phase composed of methanol and water (70:30), with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and UV detection at 280 nm. For the spectrophotometric analysis, water was used as solvent and the wavelength of 280 nm was selected for the detection. Both methods were found to quantify cefuroxime sodium in injectables accurately. Therefore HPLC and UV methods presented the most reliable results for the analyses of injectables.

Morphometric analysis of the phrenic nerve in male and female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Ventilatory differences between rat strains and genders have been described but the morphology of the phrenic nerve has not been investigated in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. A descriptive and morphometric study of the phrenic nerves of male (N = 8) and female (N = 9) SHR, and male (N = 5) and female (N = 6) WKY is presented. After arterial pressure and heart rate recordings, the phrenic nerves of 20-week-old animals were prepared for epoxy resin embedding and light microscopy. Morphometric analysis performed with the aid of computer software that took into consideration the fascicle area and diameter, as well as myelinated fiber profile and Schwann cell nucleus number per area. Phrenic nerves were generally larger in males than in females on both strains but larger in WKY compared to SHR for both genders. Myelinated fiber numbers (male SHR = 228 ± 13; female SHR = 258 ± 4; male WKY = 382 ± 23; female WKY = 442 ± 11 for proximal right segments) and density (N/mm²; male SHR = 7048 ± 537; female SHR = 10355 ± 359; male WKY = 9457 ± 1437; female WKY = 14351 ± 1448) for proximal right segments) were significantly larger in females of both groups and remarkably larger in WKY than SHR for both genders. Strain and gender differences in phrenic nerve myelinated fiber number are described for the first time in this experimental model of hypertension, indicating the need for thorough functional studies of this nerve in male and female SHR.

Morphometric analysis of the phrenic nerve in male and female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Ventilatory differences between rat strains and genders have been described but the morphology of the phrenic nerve has not been investigated in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. A descriptive and morphometric study of the phrenic nerves of male (N = 8) and female (N = 9) SHR, and male (N = 5) and female (N = 6) WKY is presented. After arterial pressure and heart rate recordings, the phrenic nerves of 20-week-old animals were prepared for epoxy resin embedding and light microscopy. Morphometric analysis performed with the aid of computer software that took into consideration the fascicle area and diameter, as well as myelinated fiber profile and Schwann cell nucleus number per area. Phrenic nerves were generally larger in males than in females on both strains but larger in WKY compared to SHR for both genders. Myelinated fiber numbers (male SHR = 228 ± 13; female SHR = 258 ± 4; male WKY = 382 ± 23; female WKY = 442 ± 11 for proximal right segments) and density (N/mm²; male SHR = 7048 ± 537; female SHR = 10355 ± 359; male WKY = 9457 ± 1437; female WKY = 14351 ± 1448) for proximal right segments) were significantly larger in females of both groups and remarkably larger in WKY than SHR for both genders. Strain and gender differences in phrenic nerve myelinated fiber number are described for the first time in this experimental model of hypertension, indicating the need for thorough functional studies of this nerve in male and female SHR.

Avaliação da qualidade da água purificada em farmácias magistrais da região de São José do Rio Preto, SP / Quality assessment of purified water used in pharmacies in São José do Rio Preto, SP

A água é a matéria-prima mais utilizada na produção de várias formas farmacêuticas, sendo um constituinte da própria formulação e exigindo para tal uma série de especificações físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Além disso, é um insumo de utilização imprescindível para testes laboratoriais e procedimentos de limpeza de equipamentos e utensílios. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o grau de contaminação química e microbiana em água purificada utilizada em farmácias magistrais da região de São José do Rio Preto, SP. As coletas foram realizadas segundo recomendações da USP Pharmacopeia, com os devidos cuidados de assepsia, e as amostras encaminhadas imediatamente ao laboratório de controle de qualidade. Foram analisados vários parâmetros físico-químicos, tais como aspecto, pH, condutividade, resíduo por evaporação, amônia, cálcio, cloreto, metais pesados, sulfato e substâncias oxidáveis, além de parâmetros microbiológicos, como contagem total de aeróbios e pesquisa de coliformes totais e termotolerantes e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Os resultados indicaram alguns parâmetros de não conformidade: em 10% das amostras analisadas para o pH e pesquisa de impurezas inorgânicas, em 17% para condutividade, em 14% para substâncias oxidáveis e em 20% para análise microbiológica, ressaltando a necessidade de maior rigor na produção e qualidade da água purificada produzida e/ou armazenada nesses estabelecimentos farmacêuticos.

Water is the raw material used most in the production of diverse pharmaceutical forms and, being a constituent of the formulation itself, is subject to a number of physico-chemical and microbiological specifications. In addition, it is indispensable for laboratory tests and the cleaning of equipment and apparatus. The aim of this study was to ascertain the degree of physicochemical and microbiological contamination of purified water used in compounding pharmacies in the city of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Samples were taken as recommended in the USP Pharmacopeia, with careful aseptic technique, and sent immediately the to quality control laboratory. Physicochemical properties were analyzed, including appearance, pH, conductivity, residue after evaporation, ammonia, calcium, chloride, heavy metals, sulfate and oxidizable substances, and microbiological tests were performed: total aerobic microbial count and detection of total and thermotolerant coliforms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that some parameters did not conform to the standards, especially pH, conductivity, inorganic impurities, oxidizable substances and microbiological test data, in 10%, 17%, 10%, 14% and 20% of the analyzed samples, respectively, This points to the need for greater care in the production and/or storage of purified water in these pharmaceutical establishments.

Atividade inseticida das plantas e aplicações: revisão / Insecticidal activities of plants and applications: a review

A utilização de agrotóxicos tem contribuído para o aumento da produção agrícola, entretanto, o uso incorreto e indiscriminado durante várias décadas levou à acumulação de resíduos tóxicos em alimentos, contaminação da água e do solo, intoxicação de produtores rurais, seleção de pragas resistentes, entre muitos outros problemas. Ultimamente tem crescido o interesse por substâncias que apresentem menor risco à saúde humana e ao ambiente, além da demanda crescente por produtos alimentícios saudáveis e isentos de resíduos de agrotóxicos. Felizmente são inúmeras as plantas que apresentam atividade inseticida, devendo ser estudadas e introduzidas, quando possível, nas propriedades agrícolas como forma alternativa de controle de pragas. Neste trabalho, é apresentada revisão sobre o uso de plantas com propriedades inseticidas e repelentes, evidenciando o potencial dessa ferramenta no manejo de pragas. Para a inserção definitiva e segura de produtos botânicos no mercado, mais estudos ainda são necessários.

The use of pesticides has contributed to the increased agricultural production; however, the incorrect and indiscriminate use over several decades has led to the accumulation of toxic residues in food, contamination of water and soil, poisoning of farmers, selection of resistant pests, besides several other problems. Lately, the interest for substances posing lower risk to the human health and the environment has increased, in addition to the increasing demand for healthy food products free from pesticide residues. Fortunately a large number of plants have insecticidal activity and should be studied and introduced, whenever possible, into farms as an alternative means to control pests. In this study, a review of the use of plants with insecticidal or repellent potential is presented, evidencing the potential of this tool in pest management. For a definitive and safe insertion of botanical products into the market further studies are still needed.

Desenvolvimento de metodologia qualitativa para identificação de ceftazidima / Qualitative methods for the identification of ceftazidime

A partir deste estudo, métodos para análise qualitativa foram desenvolvidos a fim de identificar ceftazidima em matéria-prima e em formulações farmacêuticas. Esses métodos incluíram testes físico-químicos baseados em propriedades químicas por reações clássicas de coloração e testes instrumentais, tais como cromatografia em camada delgada, calorimetria e espectroscopia no ultravioleta. Os resultados foram obtidos diretamente através de identificação visual pela coloração desenvolvida e pela análise dos espectros obtidos nos testes instrumentais. Esses métodos mostraram-se reprodutíveis e rápidos para identificar ceftazidima na presença de outros antibióticos ?-lactâmicos, podendo ser usados rotineiramente em análises de controle de qualidade

In this study, qualitative analytical methods were developed for the identification of ceftazidime in raw material and in pharmaceutical formulations. These methods included physicochemical tests based on chemical properties, performed by classical colorimetric reactions, and instrumental tests, such as thin-layer chromatography, calorimetry and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Results were obtained directly, through the visual identification of the drug by the color developed, and by analyzing the spectra obtained. These methods proved to be reproducible and fast means of identifying ceftazidime in the presence of other beta-lactam antibiotics and may be used for routine quality control tests.

Ovariectomy does not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of female SHR but estradiol does.

The low incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, in premenopausal women has led to the conclusion that ovarian hormones may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. We evaluated the effects of ovariectomy and/or estradiol on sympathovagal balance and heart rate variability (HRV) in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with tachycardia and compared them to Wistar rats (12 weeks old; N = 8-12). Ovariectomy (OVX) and/or estradiol (10 µg/kg) did not affect basal arterial pressure in either rat strain, but estradiol increased basal heart rate (HR) in OVX SHR (454 ± 18 vs 377 ± 9 bpm). HR changes elicited by methylatropine and propranolol were used to evaluate the sympathovagal balance. Ovariectomy did not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of any group, while estradiol increased sympathetic tone in OVX SHR (120 ± 8 vs 56 ± 10 bpm) and sham-operated Wistar rats (57 ± 7 vs 28 ± 4 bpm), and decreased the parasympathetic tone only in OVX SHR (26 ± 7 vs 37 ± 5 bpm). HRV was studied in the frequency domain (Fast Fourier Transformation). Spectra of HR series were examined at low frequency (LF: 0.2-0.75 Hz) and high frequency (HF: 0.75-3 Hz) bands. The power of LF, as well as the LF/HF ratio, was not affected by ovariectomy, but estradiol increased both LF (29 ± 4 vs 18 ± 3 nu in Wistar sham-operated, 26 ± 5 vs 15 ± 3 nu in Wistar OVX, 50 ± 3 vs 38 ± 4 nu in SHR sham-operated, and 51 ± 3 vs 42 ± 3 nu in SHR OVX) and LF/HF (0.48 ± 0.08 vs 0.23 ± 0.03 nu in Wistar sham-operated, 0.41 ± 0.14 vs 0.19 ± 0.05 nu in Wistar OVX, 0.98 ± 0.11 vs 0.63 ± 0.11 nu in SHR sham-operated, and 1.10 ± 0.11 vs 0.78 ± 0.1 nu in SHR OVX). Thus, we suggest that ovariectomy did not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of SHR or Wistar rats, while estradiol increased the sympathetic modulation of HR.

Ovariectomy does not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of female SHR but estradiol does

The low incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, in premenopausal women has led to the conclusion that ovarian hormones may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. We evaluated the effects of ovariectomy and/or estradiol on sympathovagal balance and heart rate variability (HRV) in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with tachycardia and compared them to Wistar rats (12 weeks old; N = 8-12). Ovariectomy (OVX) and/or estradiol (10 µg/kg) did not affect basal arterial pressure in either rat strain, but estradiol increased basal heart rate (HR) in OVX SHR (454 ± 18 vs 377 ± 9 bpm). HR changes elicited by methylatropine and propranolol were used to evaluate the sympathovagal balance. Ovariectomy did not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of any group, while estradiol increased sympathetic tone in OVX SHR (120 ± 8 vs 56 ± 10 bpm) and sham-operated Wistar rats (57 ± 7 vs 28 ± 4 bpm), and decreased the parasympathetic tone only in OVX SHR (26 ± 7 vs 37 ± 5 bpm). HRV was studied in the frequency domain (Fast Fourier Transformation). Spectra of HR series were examined at low frequency (LF: 0.2-0.75 Hz) and high frequency (HF: 0.75-3 Hz) bands. The power of LF, as well as the LF/HF ratio, was not affected by ovariectomy, but estradiol increased both LF (29 ± 4 vs 18 ± 3 nu in Wistar sham-operated, 26 ± 5 vs 15 ± 3 nu in Wistar OVX, 50 ± 3 vs 38 ± 4 nu in SHR sham-operated, and 51 ± 3 vs 42 ± 3 nu in SHR OVX) and LF/HF (0.48 ± 0.08 vs 0.23 ± 0.03 nu in Wistar sham-operated, 0.41 ± 0.14 vs 0.19 ± 0.05 nu in Wistar OVX, 0.98 ± 0.11 vs 0.63 ± 0.11 nu in SHR sham-operated, and 1.10 ± 0.11 vs 0.78 ± 0.1 nu in SHR OVX). Thus, we suggest that ovariectomy did not affect the cardiac sympathovagal balance of SHR or Wistar rats, while estradiol increased the sympathetic modulation of HR.