T1 signal intensity in the dentate nucleus after the administration of the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Contradictory results have been reported about hyperintensity of the globus pallidus and/or dentate nucleus on unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images after exposure to various gadolinium-based contrast agents. This change in signal intensity varies with different gadolinium-based contrast agents. We aimed to determine whether signal intensity in the dentate nucleus is increased in unenhanced T1-weighted images in patients who have undergone multiple studies with the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine. We thoroughly reviewed the literature to corroborate our results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients who had undergone more than 10 MR studies with gadoterate meglumine. We quantitatively analyzed the signal intensity in unenhanced T1-weighted MR images measured in regions of interest placed in the dentate nucleus and the pons, and we calculated the dentate nucleus-to-pons signal intensity ratios and the differences between the ratio in the first MR study and the last MR study. We used t-tests to evaluate whether the differences between the signal intensity ratios were different from 0. We also analyzed the subgroups of patients who had been administered <15 and ≥15 doses of gadoterate meglumine. We used Pearson correlation to determine the relationships between the differences in the signal intensity ratios and the number of doses of gadoterate meglumine administered. RESULTS: The 54 patients (26 men) had received a mean of 13.8±3.47 doses (range, 10-23 doses). The difference in the dentate nucleus-pons signal intensity ratio between the first and last MR study was -0.0275±0.1917 (not significantly different from 0; p=0.2968) in the entire group, -0.0357±0.2204 (not significantly different from 0; p = 0.351 in the patients who had received <15 doses (n=34), and -0.0135±0.1332 (not significantly different from 0; p = 0.655) in those who had received ≥15 doses (n=20). Differences in signal intensity ratios did not correlate significantly with the accumulated dose of gadoterate meglumine (P = 0.9064; ρ = -0.0164 [95%]). CONCLUSIONS: Receiving more than 10 doses of gadoterate meglumine was not associated with increased signal intensity in the dentate nucleus.

Intensidad de la señal en T1 en el núcleo dentado tras la administración del agente de contraste con gadolinio macrocíclico gadoterato de meglumina: un estudio observacional / T1 signal intensity in the dentate nucleus after the administration of the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine: an observational study

Introducción y objetivo: Se han notificado resultados contradictorios sobre un aumento en la intensidad de la señal (IS) en las imágenes de resonancia magnética (RM) ponderadas en T1 no realzadas en el globo pálido y/o el núcleo dentado (ND) después de la exposición a varios agentes de contraste con gadolinio (ACG). Este cambio en la señal varía en función del ACG específico. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si existe un aumento en la IS del ND en imágenes ponderadas en T1 no realzadas en pacientes sometidos a múltiples administraciones del ACG macrocíclico gadoterato de meglumina. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la bibliografía para corroborar nuestros resultados. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes que se habían sometido a más de 10 estudios de RM con contraste y administración exclusiva de gadoterato de meglumina. Se llevó a cabo un análisis cuantitativo mediante el uso de mediciones de regiones de interés en el ND y el puente en imágenes no realzadas ponderadas en T1. Se calcularon las proporciones ND-puente y las diferencias en las proporciones entre el inicio y la última RM realizada. Se utilizó una prueba de la t de una muestra para evaluar si las diferencias en la proporción de la IS difieren de 0. Se realizó un análisis de subgrupos de pacientes con<15 y ≥15 dosis. Se utilizó el análisis de correlación de Pearson para determinar las correlaciones entre las diferencias de las proporciones de la IS y el número de administraciones del ACG.(AU)

Introduction and aims: Contradictory results have been reported about hyperintensity of the globus pallidus and/or dentate nucleus on unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images after exposure to various gadolinium-based contrast agents. This change in signal intensity varies with different gadolinium-based contrast agents. We aimed to determine whether signal intensity in the dentate nucleus is increased in unenhanced T1-weighted images in patients who have undergone multiple studies with the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine. We thoroughly reviewed the literature to corroborate our results. Materials and methods: We included patients who had undergone more than 10 MR studies with gadoterate meglumine. We quantitatively analyzed the signal intensity in unenhanced T1-weighted MR images measured in regions of interest placed in the dentate nucleus and the pons, and we calculated the dentate nucleus-to-pons signal intensity ratios and the differences between the ratio in the first MR study and the last MR study. We used t-tests to evaluate whether the differences between the signal intensity ratios were different from 0. We also analyzed the subgroups of patients who had been administered<15 and ≥15 doses of gadoterate meglumine. We used Pearson correlation to determine the relationships between the differences in the signal intensity ratios and the number of doses of gadoterate meglumine administered.(AU)

Isolation, characterization, and resistance profile of Salmonella spp. from chicken cuts / Isolamento, caracterização e perfil de resistência de Salmonella spp. provenientes de cortes de frango

The present study aimed at isolating and characterizing Salmonella spp. from chicken cuts marketed in Francisco Beltrão, PR, and verify the resistance profile of the isolates against antimicrobials used in human therapy. Samples of chicken cuts (n=40) were purchased from supermarkets and submitted to microbiological analysis for the detection of Salmonella spp. The suspected colonies underwent biochemical testing for the identification of enterobacteria. Four colonies were selected from each sample positive for Salmonella spp., totaling 28 isolates that were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. Colonies that showed resistance to ceftriaxone were subjected to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). Among the analyzed chicken samples, seven (17.5%) showed biochemical behavior characteristic of Salmonella spp. Among the 28 isolates, seventeen different resistance profiles were found, of which 46.42% (n=13) had a multi-resistance profile, and 21.4% (n=6) of the isolates had a phenotype for ESBL production. The strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from chicken cuts found in this study showed a high level of resistance to antimicrobials of different classes and of last generations, these data serve as a warning, as they put the human treatment of salmonellosis at risk.(AU)

A pesquisa objetivou isolar e caracterizar Salmonella spp., a partir de cortes de frangos comercializados na cidade de Francisco Beltrão - PR, bem como verificar o perfil de resistência dos isolados em relação aos antimicrobianos utilizados na terapêutica humana. Amostras de cortes de frango (n=40) foram adquiridas em supermercados e submetidas à análise microbiológica para detecção de Salmonella spp. As colônias suspeitas foram submetidas a provas bioquímicas para identificação de enterobactérias. Quatro colônias foram selecionadas de cada amostra positiva para Salmonella spp., totalizando 28 isolados, que foram testadas quanto à sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. As colônias que apresentaram resistência à ceftriaxona foram submetidas à pesquisa de betalactamases de espectro estendido (ESBL). Das amostras de frango analisadas, sete (17,5%) apresentaram comportamento bioquímico característico de Salmonella spp. Entre os 28 isolados, foram encontrados 17 perfis diferentes de resistência, tendo 46,42% (n=13) apresentado perfil de multirresistência e 21,4% (n=6) apresentado fenótipo para produção de ESBL. As cepas de Salmonella spp. isoladas de cortes de frango, encontradas neste estudo, apresentaram alto índice de resistência a antimicrobianos de diferentes classes e de últimas gerações. Esses dados servem de alerta, uma vez que coloca em risco o tratamento da salmonelose humana.(AU)

Effect of glucosamine sulphate on the temporomandibular joint of ovariectomised rats.

Glycosamine is an amino-monosaccharide present in connective and cartilage tissues that contribute to the maintenance, resistance, flexibility, and elasticity of these tissues. This study aimed to determine the in vivo effects of glucosamine sulphate (GS) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of ovariectomised rats (OVX).Thirty-two rats were distributed into four groups as follows: G1, sham-OVX+saline solution; G2, sham-OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration; G3, OVX+saline solution; G4, OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration. Animals were treated for seven days. The TMJ was removed and stained with toluidine blue. The thickness of the cartilage layers and cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were determined by histomorphometry and immunoassay, respectively. The administration of GS to OVX females did not change the thickness of condylar cartilage when compared with the other groups (p>0.05). There was an increase in the total cartilage thickness in sham-OVX females. IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in sham-OVX females than in OVX females, indicating that ovariectomy acts as potent cytokine inducer. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sham-OVX females. GS did not affect cytokine production in OVX females (p>0.05). In conclusion, the administration of GS did not affect cytokine levels, but did induce an increase in the total thickness of the TMJ condylar cartilage in sham-OVX rats.

T1 signal intensity in the dentate nucleus after the administration of the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine: an observational study. / Intensidad de la señal en T1 en el núcleo dentado tras la administración del agente de contraste con gadolinio macrocíclico gadoterato de meglumina: un estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Contradictory results have been reported about hyperintensity of the globus pallidus and/or dentate nucleus on unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images after exposure to various gadolinium-based contrast agents. This change in signal intensity varies with different gadolinium-based contrast agents. We aimed to determine whether signal intensity in the dentate nucleus is increased in unenhanced T1-weighted images in patients who have undergone multiple studies with the macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoterate meglumine. We thoroughly reviewed the literature to corroborate our results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients who had undergone more than 10 MR studies with gadoterate meglumine. We quantitatively analyzed the signal intensity in unenhanced T1-weighted MR images measured in regions of interest placed in the dentate nucleus and the pons, and we calculated the dentate nucleus-to-pons signal intensity ratios and the differences between the ratio in the first MR study and the last MR study. We used t-tests to evaluate whether the differences between the signal intensity ratios were different from 0. We also analyzed the subgroups of patients who had been administered<15 and ≥15 doses of gadoterate meglumine. We used Pearson correlation to determine the relationships between the differences in the signal intensity ratios and the number of doses of gadoterate meglumine administered. RESULTS: The 54 patients (26 men) had received a mean of 13.8±3.47 doses (range, 10-23 doses). The difference in the dentate nucleus-pons signal intensity ratio between the first and last MR study was -0.0275±0.1917 (not significantly different from 0; p=0.2968) in the entire group, -0.0357±0.2204 (not significantly different from 0; p=0.351 in the patients who had received <15 doses (n=34), and -0.0135±0.1332 (not significantly different from 0; p=0.655) in those who had received ≥15 doses (n=20). Differences in signal intensity ratios did not correlate significantly with the accumulated dose of gadoterate meglumine (P=0.9064; ρ=-0.0164 [95%]). CONCLUSIONS: Receiving more than 10 doses of gadoterate meglumine was not associated with increased signal intensity in the dentate nucleus.

Peri-implant peripheral giant cell lesions: report of 13 new cases and comparative histological and immunohistochemical analysis with peripheral and central giant cell lesions.

BACKGROUND: Few cases or peri-implant peripheral giant cell lesions (PGCL) have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to report 13 new cases of peri-implant PGCL and compare the expression of smooth muscle actin, Bcl-2 protein, GLUT-1, CD68, osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B, Ki-67 and CD34 in these cases with PGCL and central giant cell lesions (CGCL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data were retrieved from the laboratory records and histological analysis was performed using HE-stained slides. Immunohistochemical reactions for the above mentioned antibodies were performed and digitally scored. RESULTS: Peri-implant PGCL mostly affected the posterior mandible of adult females. CD68 and Bcl-2 expressions were higher in conventional PGCL and CGCL than in peri-implant PGCL ( p=0.033 for CD68 and p<0.0001 for Bcl-2). Microvessel density was higher in conventional peripheral than in central and peri-implant PGCL ( p=0.002). Proliferative index of the mononuclear cells showed no statistically significant differences comparing the three groups but it was higher in peri-implant PGCL. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that peri-implant PGCL is more common in the posterior mandible of adult females. There were some differences in microvessel density, proliferative activity and expression of CD68 and Bcl-2 among conventional PGCL, peri-implant and CGCL. Further studies are encouraged to better understand these early findings.

Avaliação da produção lacrimal, pressão intraocular, retinografia e biometria ocular em bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir hígidos / Evaluation of tear production, intraocular pressure, retinography and ocular biometry in bovine Nelore and Gir breeds

No presente estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros oftalmológicos de 38 bovinos das raças Nelore (n= 19; grupo GN) e Gir (n= 19; grupo GG), machos, com idade média de 15 meses. Os exames oftalmológicos realizados foram teste lacrimal de Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), tonometria de aplanação, retinografia e biometria por ultrassonografia em modo B. Os resultados do TLS-1, tonometria de aplanação e biometria ocular foram avaliados por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA), e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Para o exame de retinografia, foi realizada a análise descritiva das estruturas anatômicas. O TLS-1 e a tonometria não diferiram (P≥0,05) nas comparações entre os olhos e entre os grupos raciais. A retinografia permitiu a visualização do disco óptico, dos vasos retinianos, do fundo tapetal e não tapetal, sem constatação de diferenças anatômicas entre as raças. Por meio da biometria ocular, foram observados valores maiores nos animais da raça Gir para as medidas do comprimento axial (CAx), da espessura da lente (EL) e da profundidade da câmara vítrea (CV), em ambos os eixos, horizontal (CAH) e vertical (CAV). Os exames oftalmológicos realizados podem ser executados a campo sem comprometer o bem-estar dos animais. Somente na ultrassonografia em modo B foram identificadas diferenças entre os bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir.(AU)

The ophthalmological parameters were evaluated of 38 male Nelore bovine (n= 19, GN group) and Gir (n= 19, GG group), with 15 months age. The ophthalmological examinations by Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), aplanation tonometry, retinography and B-mode ultrasonography were done. The results of the TLS-1, aplanation tonometry and ocular biometry were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by the Tukey test. A descriptive analysis of the anatomical structures was performed for the retinography examination. TLS-1 and tonometry did not differ (P≥ 0.05) in the comparisons between the eyes and between the groups. Retinography allowed the visualization of the optic disc, retinal vessels, tapetal and non-tapetal fundus, without any anatomical differences between the breed. In the ocular biometry, higher values were observed in Gir animals for measurements of axial length (CAx), lens thickness (EL) and depth of the vitreous chamber (CV), both horizontal (CAH) and vertical (CAV) imaging planes. Ophthalmologic examinations can be performed on the field without compromising animal welfare. Differences between Nelore and Gir bovines were identified only by B-mode ultrasonography.(AU)

Highly efficient coupling of crystalline microresonators to integrated photonic waveguides.

Crystalline optical whispering gallery mode resonators made from alkaline earth fluorides can achieve exceptionally large optical finesse, and are used in a variety of applications, from frequency stabilization and narrow linewidth lasers, to low-noise microwave generation or soliton Kerr frequency combs. Here we demonstrate an efficient coupling method to resonators of these materials, which employs photonic integrated waveguides on a chip based on silicon nitride. By converting a mode from silicon nitride to a free-hanging silica waveguide on a silicon chip, coupling to a crystalline resonator is achieved with a high extinction, while preserving a quality factor exceeding 200 million. This compact, heterogeneous integration of ultra-high Q-factor crystalline resonators with photonic waveguides provides a proof of concept for wafer scale integration and robust, compact packaging for a wide range of applications.

Secreted factors derived from obese visceral adipose tissue regulate the expression of breast malignant transformation genes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obese adipose tissue, especially the visceral depot, exhibits altered production of several molecules that could have a role on the initiation/promotion of breast cancer development. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of excess adipose tissue and its secreted factors on the expression of genes involved in the early steps of tumor promotion on the mammary gland. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Carcinogenesis-related gene expression was evaluated in mammary gland tissue from female diet-induced obese (DIO) Sprague-Dawley rats and circulating leukocytes isolated from a group of breast cancer diagnosed and non-diagnosed obese women and compared with their normal weight counterparts. In addition, the human non-tumoral mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A was treated in vitro with the visceral (retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT)) or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) secretome and with rising concentrations of the lipid peroxidation by-product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). RESULTS: DIO rats were classified as susceptible to DIO (DIO-S) or partially resistant to DIO (DIO-R) according to the maximum fat mass gain of the lean group as a cut-off. As compared with lean and DIO-R, the DIO-S group showed a higher fat mass and lower lean mass. The anatomical characteristic of DIO-S was correlated with differential expression of cellular proliferation (ALDH3A1 and MYC) and antioxidant and DNA protection (GSTM2, SIRT1), and tumor suppression (TP53, PTEN, TGFB1) genes. Remarkably, this carcinogenesis-related gene expression pattern was reproduced in MCF10A treated with the RPAT secretome from DIO-S rats and with the lipid peroxidation by-product 4-HNE. Moreover, this pattern was also detected in leukocytes from obese women compared with normal weight women without evidence of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid peroxides secreted by the obese visceral adipose tissue could be among the relevant factors that promote changes involved in the early steps of tumor development in mammary gland. These changes can be detected even before histological alterations and in circulating leukocytes.

Reguladores de crescimento vegetal no cultivo in vitro de Mentha x Piperita L / Plant growth regulators on in vitro culture of Mentha x piperita L

A micropropagação é uma técnica muitas vezes indicada para a multiplicação em larga escala de plantas com propriedades medicinais. Dentre elas, destaca-se a hortelã-pimenta (Mentha x Piperita L.), cujo óleo essencial é utilizado no tratamento de transtornos digestivos e respiratórios. Para otimizar o protocolo de micropropagação dessa espécie são necessários estudos, principalmente quanto à suplementação do meio de cultura para garantir a produção massal in vitro e posterior extração do óleo essencial. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de concentrações e combinações de reguladores de crescimento vegetal na morfogênese in vitro de hortelã-pimenta. Segmentos nodais provenientes de plântulas estabelecidas in vitro foram utilizados como fonte de explante e inoculados em meio de cultura MS suplementado com 0; 2,0 e 4,0 mg L-1 de BAP (6-benzilaminopurina), 0; 0,5 e 1,5 mg L-1 de ANA (ácido naftaleno-acético) e 0; 0,5 e 1,0 mg L-1 de GA3 (ácido giberélico). O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 3x3x3 com oito repetições. Concluiu-se que o BAP favoreceu a sobrevivência de segmentos nodais de M. x Piperita inoculados in vitro e, quando combinado ao GA3, promoveu a brotação dos explantes. Essas características, no entanto, não foram estimuladas pela adição de ANA ao meio de cultura. Conclui-se que após a multiplicação dos brotos in vitro estes devem ser transferidos para meio sem reguladores para seu desenvolvimento. Apesar dos efeitos benéficos do BAP na organogênese de M. x Piperita, elevadas concentrações deste regulador de crescimento vegetal promoveram a formação de calos.

Micropropagation is a technique used for the large-scale production of medicinal plants. Among them, peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) may be mentioned because of the pharmacological importance of its essential oil, which is used on the treatment of digestive and respiratory disorders. Studies are needed in order to optimize the micropropagation protocol of this species, especially concerning the culture medium, to ensure the in vitro mass clonal production and to enable the future extraction of the plant essential oil. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of concentrations and combinations of different plant growth regulators on the in vitro morphogenesis of peppermint. Nodal segments from plantlets already established in vitro were used as explants and inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg L-1 of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 0, 0.5 and 1.5 mg L-1 of NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and 0; 0.5 and 1.0 mg L-1 of GA3 (gibberellic acid). The experiment was in a completely randomized design, set up as a 3x3x3 factorial design with eight replicates. We concluded that BAP increases the survival rate of in vitro inoculated nodal segments of M. x piperita. In addition, its combination with GA3 stimulates explants shooting. Those aspects, however, are not promoted by the addition of NAA into the culture medium. Also, the results indicate that, after in vitro multiplication, peppermint shoots must be transferred to another medium without plant growth regulators for shoot elongation. High concentrations of BAP promote calli induction, despite having beneficial effects on the organogenesis of M. piperita.

Aplicações da cultura de tecidos em plantas medicinais / Applications of tissue culture in medicinal plants

Esta revisão tem por objetivo levantar dados de literatura sobre o histórico e a situação atual das técnicas de cultura de tecidos em plantas medicinais. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão de publicações do período de 1976 a 2009. A cultura de tecidos é muito utilizada em pesquisas envolvendo plantas medicinais, com destaque para a técnica de micropropagação. A aplicação das técnicas de cultura de tecidos em plantas medicinais tem como perspectivas a obtenção de germoplasma competitivo e adaptado a diversos métodos de cultivo, escolha de novas espécies que servirão como fonte de compostos biologicamente ativos e aprimoramento da produção de fitofármacos, a fim de assegurar exploração sustentável destas espécies.

The aim of this literature review is to conduct a survey concerning the history and current situation of tissue culture techniques in medicinal plants. Therefore, a review was done considering the period from 1976 to 2009. Tissue culture is widely applied in medicinal plants researches, especially micropropagation. The perspectives of tissue culture techniques in medicinal plants are related to the development of competitive germoplasm adapted to diverse methods of cultivation, the election of new species that will serve as source of biological active composts, and the improvement of phytochemicals production, in order to assure sustainable exploration of these species.

Concentrações de BAP sobre a proliferação in vitro de brotos de Lippia alba [(Mill. )N. E. Brown] / BAP concentrations on in vitro proliferation of Lippia alba [(Mill. ) N. E. Brown] shoots

Lippia alba é uma planta de origem brasileira, pertencente à família Verbenaceae. É conhecida por combater a insônia e a asma, além de possuir ação anticonvulsivante e antifúngica. A micropropagação tem sido utilizada para multiplicação de várias espécies com propriedades medicinais, e o BAP é a citocinina sintética mais utilizada para a multiplicação in vitro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer a concentração adequada de BAP na multiplicação in vitro de L. alba. Explantes constituídos de segmentos nodais provenientes de plântulas já estabelecidas in vitro com aproximadamente 0,5 cm foram inoculados em meio MS, suplementado com 0,0; 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5 mg L-1 de BAP em adição de 30 g L-1 de sacarose. A utilização de 1,5 mg L-1 de BAP promove a multiplicação in vitro de L. alba. A ausência deste regulador propicia maior número de folhas e o uso na concentração de 0,5 mg L-1 aumentou as massas fresca e seca de parte aérea nesta espécie.

Lippia alba is a Brazilian plant, belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It is known to combat insomnia and asthma, also has antifungal and anticonvulsant actions. Micropropagation has been used for propagation of various species with medicinal properties, and BAP is the most widely used synthetic cytokinin for in vitro multiplication. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate concentration of BAP on in vitro multiplication of L. alba. Explants consisting of nodal segments from seedlings already established in vitro with approximately 0.5 cm were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 0; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 mg L-1 of BAP and 30 g L-1 of sucrose. The use of 1.5 mg L-1 of BAP promotes the in vitro multiplication of L. alba. The absence of this regulator provides a greater number of leaves and its use at the concentration of 0.5 mg L-1 increased shoots' fresh and dry weights in this specie.

Tetanic failure due to decreased endogenous adenosine A(2A) tonus operating neuronal Ca(v) 1 (L-type) influx in Myasthenia gravis.

In healthy motor endplates, tetanic depression is overcome by tonic adenosine A(2A) -receptor-mediated facilitation of transmitter release. The A(2A) receptor operates a coordinated shift from fast-desensitizing Ca(v) 2.1 (P/Q) calcium influx to long-lasting Ca(V) 1 (L) channels on motor nerve terminals. This study aimed at investigating whether A(2A) receptors-operated Ca(2+) influx via Ca(V) 1 (L)-type channels contribute to sustain acetylcholine release evoked by 50 Hz-bursts in toxin-induced Myasthenia gravis (TIMG) rats. In contrast to control animals, inhibition of [(3) H]acetylcholine (ACh) release by the Ca(V) 2.1 (P/Q) channel blocker, ω-Agatoxin IVA (100 nM), in TIMG rats had a higher magnitude than that observed with the Ca(V) 1 (L) channel blocker, nifedipine (1 µM). Adenosine deaminase (0.5 U/mL) and the A(2A) receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (50 nM), decreased [(3) H]ACh release by a similar amount in control rats, but their effects were smaller in magnitude in myasthenic animals. The adenosine precursor, AMP (100 µM), increased (~40%) ACh release in both control and TIMG animals. Blockade of A(2A) , but not of A(1) , receptors prevented AMP-induced facilitation of transmitter release; nifedipine (1 µM) mimicked the effect of the A(2A) receptor antagonist. Video-microscopy studies designed to measure real-time transmitter exocytosis using the FM4-64 fluorescent dye fully supported radiochemical data. Thus, impairment of the adaptive shift from Ca(V) 2.1 (P/Q) to Ca(V) 1 (L) channels may contribute to tetanic failure in myasthenic rats. This parallels the reduction of adenosine A(2A) receptor tonus in TIMG animals, which might be restored by exogenous application of AMP.

Citocininas na multiplicação in vitro de hortelã-pimenta (Mentha x Piperita L. ) / Cytokinins on in vitro multiplication of peppermint (Mentha x Piperita L. )

O hortelã-pimenta é um hibrido triplo, Mentha x piperita, utilizado de forma medicinal no tratamento de náuseas, cólicas gastrointestinais, flatulências, cálculos biliares, icterícia, ansiedade, expectoração e expulsão de vermes intestinais. Na micropropagação, o BAP (6-benzilaminopurina) e KIN (cinetina) têm sido as fontes de citocininas mais empregadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de reguladores vegetais na multiplicação in vitro de hortelã-pimenta. Explantes constituídos de segmentos nodais provenientes de plântulas já estabelecidas in vitro com aproximadamente 0,5 cm foram inoculados em meio MS, suplementado com diferentes associações de BAP e KIN, em adição de 30 g L-1 de sacarose. As concentrações de citocininas utilizadas foram 0,0; 1,0 e 2,0 mg L-1 de BAP e 0,0; 0,5 e 1,0 mg L-1 de KIN. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos consistindo de cinco frascos cada um, sendo que cada frasco continha quatro explantes. A utilização de 2,0 mg L-1 de BAP promove a multiplicação in vitro de hortelã-pimenta, porém, diminui o índice de sobrevivência. O uso de citocininas aumenta a massa fresca e seca dos explantes e a ausência destes reguladores propicia o alongamento nesta espécie.

Peppermint is used for medical treatments of nausea, gastrointestinal cramps, flatulence, gallstones, jaundice, anxiety, sputum and expulsion of intestinal worms. In micropropagation, BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and KIN (kinetin) have been the most widely used sources of cytokinins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators in multiplication of peppermint. Explants consisting of nodal segments from seedlings already established in vitro with approximately 0,5 cm were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with different combinations of BAP and KIN and 30 g L-1 of sucrose. The concentrations of cytokinins used were 0,0; 1,0 and 2,0 mg L-1 of BAP and 0,0; 0,5 and 1,0 mg L-1 of KIN. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with nine treatments consisting of five bottles each, and each vial contained four explants. The use of 2,0 mg L-1 of BAP promotes the in vitro multiplication of peppermint, but decreases the survival rate. Cytokinins increase fresh and dry weight of explants and the absence of these regulators provides the elongation in this specie.

Topical anti-inflammatory potential of Physalin E from Physalis angulata on experimental dermatitis in mice.

The anti-inflammatory effect of physalin E, a seco-steroid isolated from Physalis angulata L. was evaluated on acute and chronic models of dermatitis induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and oxazolone, respectively, in mouse ear. The changes in ear edema/thickness, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histological and immunohistochemical findings were analysed, as indicators of dermal inflammation. Similar to dexamethasone, topically applied Physalin E (0.125; 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ear) potently inhibited the TPA and oxazolone-induced dermatitis, leading to substantial reductions in ear edema/thickness, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MPO activity. These effects were reversed by mifepristone, a steroid antagonist and confirmed by immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis. The data suggest that physalin E may be a potent and topically effective anti-inflammatory agent useful to treat the acute and chronic skin inflammatory conditions.

[Per- and postoperative complications of surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Prospective study of 306 patients]. / Complications per et postopératoires du traitement chirurgical des sténoses lombaires. Etude prospective d'une série de 306 patients.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The main objective of this prospective observational study of a consecutive series of patients was to determine the rate of per- and postoperative complications of surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. A second objective was to describe these complications and search for factors favoring their occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical treatment of spinal stenosis without significant spinal deviation in our unit between January 1998 and January 2000 were enrolled in this study. The series thus included 306 patients with at least six months follow-up. Three types of data were recorded before surgery: demographic data including comorbidity, data related to the type of stenosis operated, and data related to the type of procedure (simple release, release with fusion, etc.). A special observation chart was designed to record all complications during the hospital stay and follow-up visits at three, six and twelve months. Four categories of complications were recorded: general complications, early or late infections, early or late mechanical disorders, and neurological complications including meningeal involvement and surgery-related neurological disorders. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the overall rate of complications and the incidence within each category of complications. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to examine factors favoring occurrence of complications. RESULTS: The overall rate of complications was 26.5%. The incidence of general, infectious, neurological, and mechanical complications was 13, 4.5, 2.6 and 2% respectively. The incidence of serious complications and/or events requiring reoperation was 12%. Comorbidity, body mass index, operative time, and reoperation were found to favor the occurrence of complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The rates of complications reported in the literature have varied greatly. Most have been calculated from retrospective series, making it difficult to compare them with our results. Our work emphasizes the importance of certain favoring factors which should be re-examined in a larger series.

A Web-based distance education course in nutrition in public health: case study.

BACKGROUND: Strict work timetables, personal and professional duties or an inability to be absent from home or work can all represent major constraints for those wishing to improve their professional skills. Within this context, the World Wide Web can allow people to conveniently follow distance courses from their homes. OBJECTIVE: To present an experience in the use of the Web in the continuing education of healthcare professionals in Brazil. METHODS: A Web-based distance education course in nutrition in public health was developed. The methodology was an adaptation of both problem-based and task-based learning. At the end of the course an evaluation questionnaire which covered the course s contents, the educational methodology and resources, the duration and schedule, and the use of the Web as a tool for distance education was given to the students. RESULTS: There were 83 on line registrations from 13 states, 73 of the applicants were female, 62 had a degree in nutrition and 18 were physicians. From these; eleven students from ten states were chosen: nine female nutritionists, two female physicians, and one male physician. Seven students completed the course, took and passed the final exam. Of the other four students, two failed to follow the schedule, one had health problems, and one did not obtain the minimal score for sitting the final exam. The students had a mean age of 35, and a mean of ten years in practice. They all stated that they were unable to attend a regular course, even though they felt that they needed to improve their professional skills. Most of them studied seven days a week for between two and four hours a day. The students also felt that their professional skills had improved and each reported having made changes in their practice as a result of their participation. The students approved of the course s contents, methodology and resources, however they were divided about its duration. The Web as a tool in distance education was approved by the students. If it was not for the Web they could not have taken part in a continuing education program. All students said they would attend another virtual course, if available. Even though most of them did not have difficulty adapting to the virtual environment, they did feel that an adaptation period would be of value. CONCLUSIONS: A Web-based course may be more effective than other distance education methodologies because it is more interactive and dynamic. On-line material can be constantly reviewed and updated, and the students can have the opportunity to submit commentaries or questions directly to the teaching staff. A Web-based course also allows the students to go beyond the course content as they learn how to search and take advantage of the huge resources of information available on the Internet.

Hazard analysis and critical control point system approach in the evaluation of environmental and procedural sources of contamination of enteral feedings in three hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The administration of contaminated diets may contribute to severe infections, mainly in immunosuppressed patients. To determine the microbiologic quality of enteral feedings and the critical control points involved in the processing of the formulas, a study was carried out in three hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: One hundred sixteen diets were evaluated according to the system known as hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). The techniques included the monitoring of the cleaning and disinfection of utensils, surfaces, and equipment; time and temperature controls; and microbiologic analyses that comprised the enumeration of facultative aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The diets were assessed based on the British Dietetic Association and the Food and Drug Administration standards. RESULTS: The hospital-formulated diets and the commercially made powdered feeds presented statistically significant higher counts of mesophilic bacteria and percentages of no compliance with the standards for coliforms when compared with the commercially prepared, ready-to-feed enteral formula supplied in cans. According to the British standards, 77% and 38% of the diets were inadequate for mesophilic and coliform bacteria, respectively, just after preparation. After 24-hour storage in refrigerators, the percentages rose to 83% and 45%, respectively; the mesophilic and coliforms counts were also significantly higher. The following critical control points (CCP) were identified: cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, utensils, and equipment; the time spent in preparation; the water used for reconstitution; the final temperature of the diet; the exposure to room temperatures; the lack of a chilling step; the refrigeration temperature; the inadequate disinfecting of the handlers' hands; and the lack of external cleaning and disinfecting of the cans before opening. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are worrisome and show the need for implementation of good practices of hygiene and handling of the diets, and the regular monitoring of their preparation. The microbiologic quality of the enteral diets was compromised according to international standards, representing a potential risk of infection to the patients who require enteral nutrition.

[Effect of in-home boiling and refrigeration on bacterial load of pasteurized milk] / Efeito da fervura doméstica e da refrigeração na carga bacteriana do leite pasteurizado tipo C.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of in-home boiling of pasteurized milk in reducing the bacterial load and the ability of the refrigeration in preserving the milk after boiling.METHODS: Thirty samples of pasteurized milk bought in São Paulo, Brazil, were submitted to in-home boiling procedure at the laboratory. Portions of samples were taken before and after boiling, and after 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours under refrigeration for microbiological analyses. Methods used were mesophilic bacteria count, and coliforms and Escherichia coli (E.coli) enumeration.RESULTS: No sample presented mesophilic bacteria count above the Brazilian standard for pasteurized milk. E.coli was not recovered from any sample. Ten samples (33%) had coliform bacteria; of these, 3 samples (10%) were above the standard. Mesophilic bacteria count after boiling was significantly lower than before boiling. After 24 hours under refrigeration, mesophilic bacteria count was significantly higher than after boiling. No significant differences were found between the intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours under refrigeration. Samples before boiling presented significantly higher coliform bacteria. No coliform bacteria were recovered at any time after boiling.CONCLUSIONS: In-home boiling of milk reduced bacterial load, while refrigeration kept bacteria under low counts.

Bacterial contamination of the lacteal contents of feeding bottles in metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil.

Reported are the results of a study in São Paulo, Brazil, to evaluate the bacterial contamination of the lacteal contents of feeding bottles prepared in urban households of low (LSE) and high (HSE) socioeconomic groups, involving 100 and 32 mothers of infants, respectively. Samples of the lacteal contents of the feeding bottles were cultured and the medians (25th and 75th percentiles) of the counts (bacteria per ml) were significantly higher in the LSE group: mesophilic bacteria, 555,000 (17,250-4,350,000) in the LSE group and 1615 (20-500,000) in the HSE group; coliforms, 2400 (19-150,000) in the LSE group and 7 (0-7800) in the HSE group. Escherichia coli was isolated from 26% (26/100) of the samples from the LSE group and from 6% (2/32) of those from the HSE group (P = 0.03). In the HSE group, higher coliform counts were associated with foodhandlers other than the mother, lower levels of maternal education, the use of pasteurized milk, and the addition of ingredients other than milk. In the LSE group, feeding bottles prepared using tap water and those prepared for infants aged over 6 months had higher coliform counts. In general, the feeding bottles prepared in the households studied were heavily contaminated, especially in the LSE group.