Involvement of cerebral nervous system areas and cytokines on antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Kielmeyera rugosa Choisy (Calophyllaceae) in rodents.

Kielmeyera rugosa is a medicinal plant known in Northeastern Brazil as 'pau-santo', and it is used in the treatment of several tropical diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and leishmaniasis. We evaluated antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol stem extract of K. rugosa (MEKR) in mice. The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 , and dopamine were assessed. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of MEKR on carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema. Ninety minutes after the treatment, the animals were submitted to an imunofluorescence for Fos protein. MEKR (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) inhibited the development of mechanical hypernociception and edema. MEKR significantly decreased TNF-α and interleukin 1ß levels in pleural lavage and suppressed the recruitment of leukocytes. MEKR (1, 10, and 100 mg/mL) did not produce cytotoxicity, determined using the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay in vitro. The locomotor activity was not affected. MEKR activated significantly the bulb olfactory, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray of the central nervous system. Our results provide first time evidence to propose that MEKR attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia and inflammation, in part, through an activation of central nervous system areas, mainly the periaqueductal gray and piriform cortex areas.

Antimicrobial effect of Lippia sidoides and thymol on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm of the bacterium isolated from root canals.

The species Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) is utilized in popular medicine as a local antiseptic on the skin and mucosal tissues. Enterococcus faecalis is the bacterium isolated from root canals of teeth with persistent periapical lesions and has the ability to form biofilm, where it is responsible for the failure of endodontic treatments. Essential oil of L. sidoides (EOLS) and its major component, thymol, were evaluated for reducing the CFU in biofilms of E. faecalis in vitro. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and examined with respect to the chemical composition, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analysis has led to the identification of thymol (84.9%) and p-cymene (5.33%). EOLS and thymol reduced CFU in biofilms of E. faecalis in vitro (time of maturation, 72 h), with an exposure time of 30 and 60 min at concentrations of 2.5 and 10%. There was no statistical difference in effect between EOLS and thymol, demontrating that this phenolic monoterpene was the possible compound responsible for the antimicrobial activity of EOLS. This study provides a basis for the possible utilization of EOLS as an adjuvant in the treatment of root canals that show colonization by E. faecalis.

Hyptis pectinata: redox protection and orofacial antinociception.

Hyptis pectinata L. Poit, known as 'sambacaitá', is used in Brazil to treat inflammatory and painful disorders. In this study, the antioxidant and orofacial antinociceptive properties of the aqueous extract of H. pectinata leaves (AEPH) were assessed using in vitro and in vivo models. Thus, AEPH reduced the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical up to 72.10% with an EC50 of 14.56 µg/ml. It also inhibited 40.80% of the lipoperoxidation induced by 2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay. The orofacial antinociceptive activity was evaluated in mice pre-treated with AEPH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), which received afterwards formalin- (20 µl, 2% solution, s.c.), glutamate- (40 µl, 25 mM, s.c.) and capsaicin- (20 µl, 2.5 µg, s.c.) to induce orofacial nociception. AEPH at all doses reduced (p < 0.001) the nociceptive response in the first (43-62%) and second (47-80%) phases of the formalin test. Besides, the effect of AEPH (400 mg/kg) was not changed in the presence of naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.), an opioid antagonist. AEPH significantly inhibited mice face rubbing for capsaicin (23-69%, p < 0.05) and glutamate (48-77%, p < 0.001) at all doses. The findings suggested the AEPH has peripheral and central antinociceptive activities, which are not related to opioid receptors.

Sida cordifolia leaf extract reduces the orofacial nociceptive response in mice.

In this study, we describe the antinociceptive activity of the ethanol extract (EE), chloroform (CF) and methanol (MF) fractions obtained from Sida cordifolia, popularly known in Brazil as "malva branca" or "malva branca sedosa". Leaves of S. cordifolia were used to produce the crude ethanol extract and after CF and MF. Experiments were conducted on Swiss mice using the glutamate and formalin-induced orofacial nociception. In the formalin test, all doses of EE, CF and MF significantly reduced the orofacial nociception in the first (p < 0.001) and second phase (p < 0.001), which was also naloxone-sensitive. In the glutamate-induced nociception test, only CF and MF significantly reduced the orofacial nociceptive behavior with inhibition percentage values of 48.1% (100 mg/kg, CF), 56.1% (200 mg/kg, CF), 66.4% (400 mg/kg, CF), 48.2 (200 mg/kg, MF) and 60.1 (400 mg/kg, MF). Furthermore, treatment of the animals with EE, CF and MF was not able to promote motor activity changes. These data demonstrate that S. cordifolia has a pronounced antinociceptive activity on orofacial nociception. However, pharmacological and chemical studies are necessary in order to characterize the responsible mechanisms for this antinociceptive action and also to identify other bioactive compounds present in S. cordifolia.

Protective effect of locally applied carvacrol gel on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats: a tapping mode AFM study.

The aims of this study were to test a locally applied carvacrol gel and determine its efficacy preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats by regular methodology to validate applicability the atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a novel morphology method on this model. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature around second, upper-left molars. Animals were treated carvacrol gel topically (CAG), immediately after Experimental Periodontitis Disease induction for 1' three-times/day for 11 days. A vehicle gel was utilized as control. The periodontium and the surrounding gingivae were examined at regular histopathology and by AFM method; the neutrophil influx into the gingivae was also assayed using myeloperoxidase activity. The bacterial flora was assessed through culture of the gingival tissue. Alveolar bone loss was significantly inhibited by CAG group compared to the Vehicle (V) group, the carvacrol gel treatment reduced tissue lesion at histopathology, with preservation of the periodontium, coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity in gingival tissue and also prevented the proliferation of periodontal microorganisms and the weight loss. The GAC treatment preserved alveolar bone resorption and showed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities in experimental periodontitis. Topographical changes in histological sections were seen bringing into high relief the periodontal structures, being a simple and cost-effective method for periodontal evaluation with ultrastructural resolution.

Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva gel prevents alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats.

In Brazilian folk medicine, Lippia sidoides (Ls) and Myracrodruon urundeuva (Mu) have gained popularity and reputation as effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of topical herbal gel from Ls 0.5% (v/w) and Mu 5% (w/w) in experimental periodontal disease (EPD) in rats. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the second upper left molars. Animals were treated topically with Ls and/or Mu-based gel, immediately after EPD induction and three times/day for 11 days until the rats were sacrificed (11th day). Saline-based gel was utilized as control for all experiments and doxycycline based gel 10% (w/w) was utilized as reference substance. Animals were weighed daily. Alveolar bone loss was measured as the difference (in millimeters) between the cusp tip and the alveolar bone. The periodontum and the surrounding gingivae were examined at histopathology, as well as the neutrophil influx into the gingivae was assayed using myeloperoxidase activity and cytokine production mainly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels by ELISA method. The local bacterial flora was assessed through culture of the gingival tissue in standard aerobic and anaerobic media. Alveolar bone loss was significantly inhibited by Ls and Mu combined treatment compared to the saline control group. Ls and Mu combined treatment reduced tissue lesion at histopathology, with partial preservation of the periodontum, coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as significantly inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production in gingival tissue compared to the saline control group. Ls and Mu combined treatment also prevented the growth of oral microorganisms and the weight loss. Ls and Mu combined based gel treatment preserved alveolar bone resorption and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities in experimental periodontitis.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Lippia sidoides, carvacrol and thymol against oral pathogens.

Dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with oral pathogens. Several plant derivatives have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against such pathogenic microorganisms. Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "Alecrim-pimenta" is a typical shrub commonly found in the Northeast of Brazil. Many plant species belonging to the genus Lippia yield very fragrant essential oils of potential economic value which are used by the industry for the commercial production of perfumes, creams, lotions, and deodorants. Since the leaves of L. sidoides are also extensively used in popular medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and cuts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and antimicrobial activity of L. sidoides essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twelve compounds were characterized, having as major constituents thymol (56.7%) and carvacrol (16.7%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil and the major components was tested against cariogenic bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus as well as Candida albicans using the broth dilution and disk diffusion assays. The essential oil and its major components thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the organisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.0 mg/mL. The most sensitive microorganisms were C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components exert promising antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and suggest its likely usefulness to combat oral microbial growth.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Lippia sidoides, carvacrol and thymol against oral pathogens

Dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with oral pathogens. Several plant derivatives have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against such pathogenic microorganisms. Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "Alecrim-pimenta" is a typical shrub commonly found in the Northeast of Brazil. Many plant species belonging to the genus Lippia yield very fragrant essential oils of potential economic value which are used by the industry for the commercial production of perfumes, creams, lotions, and deodorants. Since the leaves of L. sidoides are also extensively used in popular medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and cuts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and antimicrobial activity of L. sidoides essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twelve compounds were characterized, having as major constituents thymol (56.7 percent) and carvacrol (16.7 percent). The antimicrobial activity of the oil and the major components was tested against cariogenic bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus as well as Candida albicans using the broth dilution and disk diffusion assays. The essential oil and its major components thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the organisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.0 mg/mL. The most sensitive microorganisms were C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components exert promising antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and suggest its likely usefulness to combat oral microbial growth.

Chest mechanics in morbidly obese non-hypoventilated patients.

Seventy-seven patients with morbid obesity, body mass index (BMI) 40-69.9 kg m(-2), who were candidates for gastroplasty, were studied in our laboratory as part of a pre-operative survey. They had no complaints other than obesity and were not cyanotic. A group of 28 lean subjects (BMI 20-29.8 kg m(-2)) who were candidates for abdominal surgery, without any respiratory complaint, were included as controls. For each patient a pulmonary function test was performed, measuring slow vital capacity with expiratory residual volume (ERV), forced vital capacity (flow/volume) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). In obese patients the MVV is reduced as BMI increases. This results in the reduction of expiratory flows and volumes. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) is reduced in proportion to the FVC reduction and is related to MVV. It is suggested that the main consequence of the burden of the chest wall by increased adipose mass is a reduction in its compliance, making inspiration increasingly difficult, and resulting in lower static volumes and flows.

First clinical experience with isradipine in the treatment of hypertension in Portugal.

The efficacy and safety of isradipine and nifedipine retard were compared in 51 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. A 4-week placebo run-in period was followed by an 8-week course of treatment. Patients were randomly allocated to either isradipine 1.25 mg twice daily (n = 24) or nifedipine 20 mg twice daily (n = 826); dosages were doubled if blood pressure was not normalized [diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg) after 4 weeks of active treatment. Systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced (p less than 0.01/p less than 0.01) by isradipine from 162/103 to 145/89 mm Hg, and by nifedipine from 162/104 to 143/88 mm Hg. Normalization rates were 79% with isradipine and 67% with nifedipine. It was necessary to double the dosage in seven of the patients taking isradipine and in three of those taking nifedipine; the mean final dosages were 1.63 mg and 22.4 mg twice daily, respectively. Heart rate did not change significantly with either treatment. There were drug-related adverse events in five patients (21%) taking isradipine (2 edema, 2 headache, 2 palpitations, 1 flushing) and in eight (30%) of those taking nifedipine (5 edema, 2 headache, 1 palpitations). Therapy was withdrawn in one patient in the isradipine group (1 headache) and two patients in the nifedipine group (1 edema, 1 headache). We conclude that isradipine is a highly effective and well tolerated antihypertensive agent.

Alexia for arithmetical signs. A cause of disturbed calculation.

Asymbolic acalculia is a variety of acalculia characterized by a failure to differentiate the arithmetical symbols. Two patients presenting this disturbance as the only source of their calculating errors are reported. Neither aphasia nor visuo-verbal disconnection could explain the failure to identify the arithmetical signs. This defect is interpreted as an alexia for this particular semiotic system, the arithmetical signs being stripped of their names and of the corresponding computational rules.

[Prevention of gynecological cancer: Socioeconomic, colposcopic and cyto-histological study].

PIP: Study of 600 patients at the Service for the Prevention of Gynecological Cancer of a maternity hospital in Brazil resulted in a correlation between socioeconomic conditions and the findings of routine examinations for cancer prevention (cytology, colposcopy, and histology). Positive findings of neoplasia were obtained in 7 cases, a much higher incidence than that found in the population generally. It is concluded that the greater incidence of cervical cancer is the result of socioeconomic conditions, such as early beginning of sexual relations (116 patients, i.e., 19.3%, began their sexual life before age 15), promiscuity, multiparity, and early pregnancies, which were found very frequently in the population studied. These findings confirm those reported by other authors.^ieng