Cytotoxic/antiproliferative and nutraceutical activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of green and mature Averrhoa carambola.

Averrhoa carambola L. presents in its composition diversity of nutrients and vitamins. The present study aimed to extract water and fat-soluble compounds from this fruit at different stages of maturation (green and mature), perform the physical-chemical characterization as well as evaluate its cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells of Rattus norvegicus (HTC). The physicochemical results showed that the pH and molar acidity is influenced by the fruit maturation state. The fruit presented high percentage of moisture, while the percentage of total minerals (ash) increased according to its maturation stage. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that star fruits present phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity showed greater potential for the ethanolic extracts of the green and mature star fruit. For HTC cells treated with ethanolic extract of green and mature star fruit the data show absence of cytotoxic effect. The tests with the aqueous extract showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect of green and mature star fruit extract, in 24, 48 and 72 hours. The presence of nutraceutical compounds and the cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity were more expressive in the aqueous extract, being an option of easily accessible solvent economic and not harmful to organisms.

Partial rupture of the thigh adductor muscle in a dog: case report / Ruptura parcial do músculo adutor da coxa em um cão: relato de caso

Muscle injuries are often reported in humans, but uncommon in dogs. The etiology is degenerative or traumatic, and traumatic is more common in athletes. The diagnosis is obtained by a combination of orthopedic physical examination and imaging diagnosis, such as ultrasonography. Therapy aims to optimize healing and avoid complications. The present study reports a case of partial rupture of thigh adductor muscle in a dog presenting acute lameness of the right pelvic limb. Swelling and pain in the medial region of the thigh was noticed. Ultrasound examination confirmed partial rupture of the thigh adductor muscle. The treatment included non-steroid anti-inflammatory, warm compresses, and rest. Ultrasound examinations were useful in this case to evaluate the progression of the lesion, which was rapid and satisfactory.(AU)

Lesões musculares são frequentemente relatadas em humanos, mas pouco diagnosticadas em cães. Podem ocorrer de forma degenerativa ou traumática, sendo essa última a forma mais comum em atletas. O diagnóstico é obtido por exame físico ortopédico associado a exames de imagem, como ultrassonografia. A terapia deve ser instituída de modo a facilitar a cicatrização e evitar as complicações. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de ruptura parcial de músculo adutor da coxa em um cão que apresentou claudicação aguda em membro pélvico direito, associado à tumefação e dor em região medial da coxa. O exame ultrassonográfico evidenciou ruptura parcial do músculo adutor da coxa. O paciente recebeu terapia anti-inflamatória, e foi indicado uso de compressas quentes e repouso. Foram realizados exames ultrassonográficos para acompanhamento da evolução do quadro, que foi rápida e favorável.(AU)

Osteosarcoma and acromegaly: a case report and review of the literature.

A 72-yr-old acromegalic man, who presented with pain in the left femur, was found to have a metastatic osteosarcoma. Only three cases describing the coexistence of acromegaly and osteosarcoma have been reported by the literature. As the patient didn't have other risk factors for osteosarcoma, the hypothesis that accelerated rate of bone turnover caused by long-term exposure to high GH and IGF-I could act as a predisposing factor in the development of this malignant bone tumor is discussed.

Long lasting protection against canine kala-azar using the FML-QuilA saponin vaccine in an endemic area of Brazil (São Gonçalo do Amarante, RN).

Naturally exposed dogs of an endemic area were vaccinated with the fucose mannose ligand (FML) antigen of Leishmania donovani in formulation with QuilA saponin. The 100% of vaccinees were seropositive to FML and showed intradermal reaction to L. donovani lysate, 2 months after vaccination. The absorbency values and size of intradermal reaction were both significantly higher in vaccinees than in controls along a 3.5 years period (ANOVA, P<0.0001). The 25% of the control animals (two dogs on the first year and six dogs on the fourth year, respectively) and 5% of the vaccinees (one dog during the fourth year) developed clinical and fatal disease until the end of experiment. This difference was significant (chi(2)=3.93, P<0.05). This means that 95% protection against kala-azar was achieved in vaccinees, after FML-QuilA vaccination (80% of vaccine efficacy (VE)). Leishmania infection was also confirmed, 3.5 years after vaccination, in saline controls that showed positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leishmania DNA and FML-serology with no intradermal reaction. Higher seropositivities and intradermal reactions with no Leishmanial DNA were detected in vaccinees. The FML-QuilA vaccine induced a significant, long lasting and strong protective effect against canine kala-azar in the field.

Aminotransferases activity in the hemolymph of Bradybaena similaris (Gastropoda, Xanthonychidae) under starvation.

Aminotransferases (GOT and GPT) activities in the hemolymph of Bradybaena similaris under experimental condition of starvation were studied. At the 10th day of starvation, GOT activity was 416.6% higher than that observed in the fed snails, being reduced and ranging values near to that shown by the control group onwards. GPT activity only varied significantly at the day-30 of starvation. The results were discussed.

Prevalence of anti-Leishmania donovani antibody among Brazilian blood donors and multiply transfused hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence of anti-Leishmania donovani antibodies was investigated in 1,500 Brazilian blood donors and multiply transfused hemodialysis patients. Sera were tested using the fucose-mannose ligand (FML) ELISA, which was shown to have 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity for kala-azar. Among 1,194 volunteer blood donors, seroreactivity was 9%, increasing to 25% in a periurban kala-azar focus. However, higher positivity (37%) was found in multiply transfused hemodialysis patients from Natal, where kala-azar is constantly present in low numbers (endemic), with sporadic outbreaks in localized regions (endemic and epidemic). Risk factors included blood transfusion, which was significantly associated with the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (chi2 = 8.567, P < 0.005), but did not include potential exposure to sandfly bites (chi2 = 0.033, P > 0.1). The prevalence significantly decreased to 7% in hemodialysis patients from Rio de Janeiro, where kala-azar is only occasionally seen, and was 0% in patients undergoing continuous ambulatorial peritoneal dialysis. The prospective analysis of 27 FML-seroreactive donors from Natal revealed amastigotes of Leishmania in the bone marrow of one subject while four had clinical complaints, including splenomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly. Our results point to the need for control of blood transfusion as a possible route for transmission of kala-azar in endemic areas.

Transmission of visceral leishmaniasis by blood transfusion in hamsters.

We have studied the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis by blood transfusion in the CB hamster model. Five normal CB hamsters (females, 2.5 months old) received a 0.1-ml blood transfusion from a donor that had been infected with 10(7) amastigotes of Leishmania donovani 90 days prior to the blood harvest. The development of the disease in transfused animals was monitored by the increase in anti-Leishmania serum antibodies, splenomegaly, and spleen and liver parasitic burdens. The transfused hamsters developed all the typical signs of the disease, i.e., ascites, cachexia and death. The scores of anti-Leishmania antibodies (1.345) and the level of parasite load (spleen Leishman Donovan units of Stauber (LDU) = 471, liver LDU = 378) in transfuse hamsters were similar to those observed in hamsters experimentally infected with 10(7) amastigotes (P > 0.05, Student t-test). Our results demonstrate that blood transfusion is an effective route for transmission of visceral leishmaniasis, and we point out that adequate precautions should be taken at blood banks in the regions where leishmaniasis is endemic.

Transmission of visceral leishmaniasis by blood transfusion in hamsters

We have studied the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis by blood transfusion in the CB hamster model. Five normal CB hamsters (females 2.5 months old) received a 0.1 -ml blood transfusion from a donor that had been infected with 10(7) amastigotes of Leishmania donovani 90 days prior to the blood harvest. The development of the disease in transfused animals was monitored by the increase in anti-Leishmania serum antibodies, splenomegaly, and spleen and liver parasitic burdens. The transfused hamsters developed all the typical signs of the disease, i.e., ascites, cachexia and death. The scores of anti-Leishmania antibodies (1.345) and the level of parasite load (spleen Leishman Donovan units of Stauber (LDU) = 471, liver LDU = 378) in transfused hamsters were similar to those observed in hamsters experimentally infected with 10(7) amastigotes (P>0.05, Student t-test). Our results demonstrate that blood transfusion is an effective route for transmission of visceral leishmaniasis, and we point out that adequate precautions should be taken at blood banks in the regions where leishmaniasis in endemic.

Shark-cartilage containing preparation protects cells against hydrogen peroxide induced damage and mutagenesis.

Natural products from flora and fauna are frequently used as nutritional supplements and medicaments. Two short-term assays were carried out and negative results were obtained for shark-cartilage containing preparation. The tests employed were the Salmonella/mammalian microsome assay using tester strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1535 with or without S9 mix and the SOS-Chromotest with Escherichia coli strain PQ37. Evidence for shark-cartilage containing preparation functioning as an antimutagen was detected. Using bacterial survival assays with Escherichia coli fpg (BH20) and xthA (BW9091), we investigated the putative role of shark-cartilage containing preparation in protecting cells against lesions induced by hydrogen peroxide in normal and low iron level conditions. Our data suggest that shark-cartilage containing preparation can play a scavenger role for reactive oxygen species and protect against DNA lesions in both conditions.

The FML (Fucose Mannose Ligand) of Leishmania donovani. a new tool in diagnosis, prognosis, transfusional control and vaccination against human kala-azar.

The Fucose-Mannose Ligand (FML) of Leishmania donovani is a complex glycoproteic fraction. Its potential use as a tool for diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis was tested with human sera from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The FML-ELISA test, showed 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity, identifying patients with overt kala-azar (p < 0.001, when compared to normal sera), and subjects with subclinical infection. More than 20% apparently healthy subjects with positive reaction to FML developed overt kala-azar during the following 10 months. In the screening of human blood donnors, a prevalence of 5% of sororeactive subjects was detected, attaining 17% in a single day. The GP36 glycoprotein of FHL is specifically reconized by human kala-azar sera. The immunoprotective effect of FML on experimental L. donovani infection was tested in swiss albino mice. The protection scheemes included three weekly doses of FML, supplemented or not with saponin by the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal routes and challenge with 2 x 10(7) amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. An enhancement of 80.0% in antibody response (p < 0.001) and reduction of 85.5% parasite liver burden (p < 0.001) was detected in animals immunized with FML saponin, unrespectively of the immunization route.

Leishmania donovani: titration of antibodies to the fucose-mannose ligand as an aid in diagnosis and prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis.

The fucose-mannose ligand (FML) is a complex glycoprotein fraction present on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. It participates in parasite interaction with host macrophages in a species-specific pattern. We have tested its use in immunodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a recent outbreak in Rio Grande do Norte, north-east Brazil. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of low concentrations of FML in 462 sera showed 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity. The FML-ELISA identified patients with overt VL (P < 0.001, compared to normal sera). It could also identify inhabitants of the endemic area who had incipient or subclinical infection with potentially severe clinical disease: more than 20% of apparently healthy subjects with a positive ELISA for FML developed overt VL during the following 10 months. FML-ELISA reactivity decreased in all patients during treatment, and became negative after parasitological cure. No cross-reaction was observed in patients infected with other Leishmania species, nor in those with Chagas disease. Determination of antibody response to FML may be useful in diagnosis of VL and in identifying patients without overt disease but with a high risk of developing severe VL.

[The Program of External Quality Evaluation in Clinical Chemistry. An overview and evaluation after 11 years of functioning]. / Programa de Avaliação Externa da Qualidade em Química Clínica. Visão de conjunto e avaliação após 11 anos de funcionamento.

After an eleven-year period, the goals and way of functioning are remembered the External Quality Assessment Scheme in Clinical Chemistry, under the responsibility of the National Institute of Health. The authors try to evaluate the quality of results obtained at the time by the 160 participant laboratories, belonging to the public and private sectors as well as to the Portuguese reference laboratories which have to assign the expected values on the control sera to be analysed. As regards the 22 biochemical blood parameters, we came to the conclusion that there is a high performance level in what concerns the reference laboratories and a quality level of participant laboratories in accordance with their considered peer foreign laboratories.

[Consequences of the correction of post-transplantation hypophosphatemia on mineral metabolism]. / Consequências no metabolismo mineral da correcção da hipofosfatemia pós-transplante.

AIM: To study the effect of the correction of post-transplantation Hypophosphatemia on mineral metabolism. PATIENTS: 15 patients with renal transplants for 3 to 12 months, Serum Creatinine "177 micmol/1, were treated with oral phosphorus (P) for persistent hypophosphatemia. METHODS: 3 periods of blood and urine collection at intervals of 3 weeks. T1 under basal treatment with oral P, T2 after 3 weeks off medication with P, Ca, or P binders. T3 3 weeks after going back on oral P supplements. RESULTS: Serum P dropped from T1 to T2 (1.03 +/- 0.03 mmol/L to 0.83 +/- 0.03 mmol/L, p "0.0001), rising again in T3 to 1.06 +/- 0.03 mmol/L. From T1 to T2, PTHi decreased from 95.4 +/- 8.7 to 66.8 8.9pg/ml), osteocalcin rose from 3.8 +/- 1.2 to 16.6 +/- 2.3ng/ml (p<0.001) and 25-Vit D rose from 16.7 +/- 1.9 to 21.4 +/- 2.1 ng/l (p<0.001), with the reversal of these changes from T2 to T3 when serum P increased once again. There was a significant correlation between serum P and PTHi and serum P and 25-Vit D. There were no significant variations of the serum Ca, Alk. Phosph., ICTP and CaFE values in the three periods. CONCLUSIONS: 1-Serum P never dropped below 0.55 mmol/L, which had no clinical consequences, 2- When the P dropped, PTHi also dropped and osteocalcin and 25-Vit D rose, without any major variation in bone catabolism, 3- Correction of hypophosphatemia may delay recovery from secondary hyperparathyroidism.

[Hemodialysis with bicarbonate 30 mEq/l versus 34 mEq/l and acetate: better hemodynamic tolerance and electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis]. / Hemodiálise com bicarbonato 30 mEq/l versus 34 mEq/l e acetato: a melhor tolerância hemodinâmica e homeostasia electrolítica e ácido-base.

The use of bicarbonate buffer in dialysis is more physiological than acetate. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the hemodynamic stability, acid-base and electrolyte balance changes in a group of 5 hospital hemodialysis (HD) patients, with 3 different dialysis fluids: one with 30 mEq/l of bicarbonate (B30), another with 34 mEq/l of bicarbonate (B34) and the last with acetate (ACE). All the patients had more than 12 months in HD. Each patient had HD treatment with one of the 3 different dialysis fluids: ACE, B30, B34. Each HD had a duration of 4 hours, with less than 5% dry weight ultrafiltration (UF) and continuous cardiac monitoring. The following clinical and laboratory data were evaluated: arterial blood pressure (BP), cardiac rate (CR), respiratory rate (RR), cardiac arrhythmias, blood urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, magnesium, total calcium (Ca), ionised calcium (Ca++), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and pCO2. Statistic analysis was performed using Student's paired t test and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Clinical evaluation showed a CR increase only in the ACE group (pre X = 78.4 to 4 degrees h X = 102.6 p < 0.001). Analytical results demonstrated, at the 1st h, Ca++ stability in the B30 group; in the first 30' the pH decreased in the ACE group (pre X = 7.35 to 30' X = 7.34); during HD, HCO3- was not corrected in the ACE group (pre X = 19.4 to 4th h X = 20.0); at 4th, pCO2 also decreased in this group (pre X = 34.5 to 4th h X = 28.4 p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Experimental murine Leishmania donovani infection: immunoprotection by the fucose-mannose ligand (FML).

The fucose-mannose ligand (FML) of Leishmania donovani is a complex glycoprotein fraction present in pro- and amastigotes, that interferes with parasite-macrophage interactions in vitro. In the present study, we have tested the potential immunoprotective effect of FML on L. donovani infection in inbred female BALB/c mice. The protection schemes included three weekly intraperitoneal administrations of FML, supplemented or not with saponin. Mice were challenged by intravenous injections of 2 x 10(7) amastigotes of Leishmania donovani (LD-1S/MHOM/SD/00-strain 1S) obtained from CB hamsters' infected spleens. After 15 days of infection, we monitored the splenocyte proliferative response to FML in vitro by ELISA for specific antibody response, and by parasite quantification as "Leishman-Donovan Units" in liver. A significant (P < 0.001) protective effect of FML with saponin, but not of FML or saponin alone, was shown by the reduction of parasite burden in liver and by the enhancement of splenocyte proliferation. The antibody response, very low at 15 days of infection in both untreated and control animals, showed a pronounced increase (P < 0.001) in animals sensitized with FML/saponin. Taken together, our results represent a 79.1 and 89.1% increase in specific proliferative and antibody responses, respectively, and an 84.4% protection in reduction of parasite liver burden. The protective potential was specifically due to FML (P < 0.001). Under the present conditions, no toxic or nonspecific effect could be attributed to saponin. A detailed study of the molecular events related to vaccination against murine visceral leishmaniasis with total and fractionated FML is currently underway.

Renal tubular sodium and water metabolism in brain tumour patients submitted to craniotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Brain Tomour (BT) and Neurosurgery (NS) on the renal handling of H2O and Na, and the clinical importance of SIADH in this setting. METHODS: Fourteen patients with BT pre-op for NS and 6 controls (C) pre-op for general surgery, were assessed in a controlled prospective trial. All patients were normovolaemic, with normal renal function. They received 400 mg of lithium carbonate (Li) 8 hours before each of two test periods (I and II) and a standard water load only before period II. Clearances studies were performed pre-op (period I) and 24 hours post-op (period II). RESULTS: Serum Na was normal at all times. Despite normovolaemia, a 1% decrement in serum osmolality and the water load, ADH dramaticaly increased from time I to II mainly in the BT group (36.2 +/- 9.4 vs 7.1 +/- 0.6 pmol/L, p = 0.02). FENa, FELi and FEUricA were significantly more elevated in the BT group pre and post-op (at time II respectively 4.6 +/- 1.6 vs 1.1 +/- 0.3%; 29.3 +/- 4.9 vs 22.6 +/- 5.5; 26.0 +/- 8.1 vs 11.3 +/- 2.2, p = 0.03). Proximal and distal H2O re-absorption and distal fractional Na re-absorption were identical in both groups pre and post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: 1-BT and NS always induce a SIADH. 2-There was a primary Na loss at the proximal tubule level not explained by ADH increment, that did not significantly changed H2O handling. 3-To prevent hyponatraemia, hypotonic I.V. fluids should be avoided, but more importantly saline must be provided to this potentially salt-wasting condition.

D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from HeLa cells--1. Purification and properties of the enzyme.

1. D-GPDH from HeLa cells was isolated and purified. 2. Some basic kinetic constants are reported. 3. Sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave a single band with a molecular weight of approximately 36 K. 4. ATP and NADH inhibit competitively enzyme activity. 5. Comparative catalytic properties of GPDH from normal and tumor cells were effectuated.

D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from HeLa cells--2. Immunological characterization.

1. An immunological relationship between GPDH from HeLa cells and those from other phylogenetically different sources was carried out. 2. It was found that HeLa cell anti-GPDH antibody presented an immunological cross-reaction specificity with GPDH from HeLa cells, Caiman sp. muscle and human mammary tumor tissue and a partial one with GPDH from Anas sp. muscle.