Echinodorus macrophyllus: Acute toxicological evaluation of hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives from SF1 subfractions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth.) Micheli (Alismataceae), known as chapéu-de-couro in Brazil, is popularly used to treat inflammatory diseases. We have previously demonstrated a significant reduction in the acute inflammation for the aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus (AEEm) and its ethanolic fraction (Fr20) and described that hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives present in SF1 (Fr20 subfraction) showed higher anti-inflammatory properties by mechanisms that include a reduction of TNF-α, IL-1ß, CKCL1/KC, LTB4, and PGE2 levels in exudate. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work describes the acute toxicological effect of SF1 subfraction on SW mice treated orally for five days in the air pouch model by evaluating the hematological and biochemical determinations on the blood samples; the relative organ weight and its histopathological analysis; the liver genotoxicity assessment and the activity of liver enzymes from xenobiotic metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fr20 was earlier fractionated on the Sephadex LH-20 column, yielding mainly four subfractions, including SF1. The SF1 toxicity was evaluated in mice challenged with carrageenan on the air pouch inflammation model and orally treated for five days. The body weight was monitored daily, and the organs were weighed after the euthanasia. Hematological and biochemical determinations were carried out using specific commercial kits and following the protocols provided by the manufacturers. The organs were fixed, sectioned, processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, and analyzed by light microscopy. Genotoxicity assessment was performed by the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis. Livers were processed for ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) assays. RESULTS: SF1 exhibited low toxicity, as no significant discrepancy was observed in the relative weight of the body organs of mice. Moreover, the daily treatment with SF1 did not alter the number and percentage of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration in the blood. The treatment with SF1 did not affect the creatinine concentration, but the 25 mg/kg dose reduced the plasma urea level and uric acid, suggesting its use in treating acute renal failure. The parameters analyzed did not present biochemical alterations indicative of liver disease. Regarding serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, a significant decrease was detected in both parameters in mice treated with SF1. In addition, the histopathological analysis showed that inflammatory focus in the livers seemed more relevant in the control groups than in those treated. There were no significant changes in the renal or splenic tissues of animals treated with SF1. Treatment with SF1 also does not have a genotoxic effect on liver cells. CONCLUSION: Treatment with SF1 showed no toxicity in mice at doses equivalent to those recommended for humans, which provides evidence of the safety of the therapeutic use of this subfraction.

Echinodorus macrophyllus fraction with a high level of flavonoid inhibits peripheral and central mechanisms of nociception.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth.) Micheli is popularly used for acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory activity was previously demonstrated for its flavonoid-enriched fractions. The aim of this work assessed the antinociceptive properties of both aqueous extract and its fractions. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: The antinociceptive activity was determined by acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin test, tail immersion test, hot-plate test, xylene-induced ear edema methods, and the evaluation of its mechanism was performed in the writhing model. The aqueous extract of Echinodorus macrophyllus (AEEm) was fractionated, yielding Fr20, and Fr40. Fr40 composition was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fr20 (all doses) and Fr40 (100 mg/kg) reduced the nociception in the tail-flick model. Both fractions increased the percentage of maximum possible effect with 25 mg/kg, in the hot-plate assay, at 60 min, while AEEm reduced pain only with 50 and 100 mg/kg. There was a reduction in xylene-edema index, with Fr40 (25 mg/kg), AEEm (50 mg/kg) and Fr20 (50 mg/kg). All doses of AEEm, Fr20, and Fr40 reduced both phases of the formalin model. In the abdominal contortion model, Fr40 presented the highest activity, reducing 96% of contortions and its antinociceptive mechanism was evaluated. The results indicated the involvement of NO and adrenergic activation pathways. The main components of Fr40 are swertisin, swertiajaponin, isoorientin 7,3'-dimethyl ether, swertisin-O-rhamnoside, isoorientin, isovitexin, isovitexin-Orhamnoside, and isovitexin-7-O-glucoside. The aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus leaves and its fractions exhibited significant analgesic effect, mediated through both peripheral and central mechanisms being considered a potentially antinociceptive drug.

Echinodorus macrophyllus: Hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives reduces neutrophil migration through modulation of cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandin in the air-pouch model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Brazil, Echinodorus macrophyllus (Alismataceae), popularly known as chapéu-de-couro, is used to treat inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have shown a significant decrease in the acute inflammation for the aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus (AEEm) and its ethanolic fraction (Fr20). AIM OF THE STUDY: This work fractionated Fr20, identified the fraction and substances responsible for the in vivo anti-inflammatory property, and demonstrated important immunomodulatory mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fr20 was fractionated using Sephadex LH-20, and the most active fraction was chromatographically analyzed (HPLC-DAD and UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). Leukotriene B4, Prostaglandin E2, and cytokines were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in vivo acute inflammation by the air pouch model. RESULTS: The subfractions SF1, SF3, and mainly the SF4 decreased NO levels (p < 0.05). SF3 and SF4 showed high DPPH scavenger activity. SF1 was more effective than SF4 in reducing vasodilation, redness, and leukocyte migration into the 4-h air pouch. SF1 inhibited 90.5% (100 mg/kg) and SF4 54.0% (50 mg/kg), mainly affecting the number of neutrophils. SF1 and SF4 reduced the protein level in the exudate. SF1 was also more effective in inhibiting neutrophil migration in a transwell assay (46.3%) and reduced (86.1%) the Leukotriene B4 level in the exudate. After five days of treatment, some SF1 anti-inflammatory mechanisms were evaluated in the air pouch's 24 h exudate and tissue. Despite the high level of inflammation of the control group in this condition, SF1 confirmed the decrease in the protein level and neutrophils migration into the pouch. It decreased the number of bone marrow cells, indicating a systemic effect of SF1. SF1 also decreased TNF-α (87%), IL-1ß (77%), CKCL1/KC (71.3%), and PGE2 (97.8%) and increased IL-10 (74.1%) levels in the air pouch exudate. Phytochemical analysis of SF1 indicates mainly hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives. CONCLUSION: Hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives present in SF1 are related to the crucial anti-inflammatory mechanisms of E. macrophyllus, decreasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, CKCL1/KC, LTB4, and PGE2 on the exudate. These results explain the reduction of vasodilatation, erythema, and neutrophil migration into the air pouch model, confirming this plant's anti-inflammatory potential.

Anti-inflammatory potential of invasive sun corals (Scleractinia: Tubastraea spp.) from Brazil: alternative use for management?

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to analyse the anti-inflammatory potential of the invasive coral species Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis. METHODS: Methanolic extracts, fractions and synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory ability, and their composition was elucidated through chemical analysis. KEY FINDINGS: The genus Tubastraea (Order Scleractinia, Family Dendrophylliidae) (known as sun corals) presents compounds with pharmacological value. The introduction of these azooxanthellate hard corals into Brazil, initially in Rio de Janeiro state, occurred through their fouling of oil and gas platforms from the Campos oil Basin. The two invasive species have successfully expanded along the Brazilian coast and threaten endemic species and biodiversity. The HPLC-MS and GC-MS data suggest the presence of aplysinopsin analogues (alkaloids). Anti-inflammatory activity was observed in all samples tested in in-vivo assays, especially in T. coccinea. The ethyl acetate fraction from this sample was more effective in in-vitro assays for anti-inflammatory activity. Depending on the concentration, this fraction showed cytotoxic responses. CONCLUSIONS: These species have potential pharmacological use, and considering their invasive nature, this study presents a potential alternative use, which may enhance the management of this biological invasion.

Saída precoce do mercado de trabalho: aposentadoria ou discriminação? / Português

O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar entender a não participação de homens de 50-64 anos, aqui chamados de maduros, nas atividades econômicas. O foco nesse grupo etário deve-se ao fato de este grupo ser o que primeiramente será afetado pela reforma previdenciária proposta pelo governo. Esses podem ser aposentados que não voltaram ao mercado de trabalho ou nem-nem, que não participam do mercado de trabalho e não estão aposentados. Neste trabalho, o foco será nos nem-nem. Os dados utilizados são provenientes das Pesquisas Nacionais por Amostra de Domicílios (PNADs) de 1992 a 2017. Em 2012, a metodologia desta pesquisa mudou radicalmente e dificultou a comparação temporal. A pesquisa antiga continuou até 2015 conjuntamente com a nova (PNAD Contínua). Como as condições de saúde são importantes na determinação desta participação, consideram-se, também, os dados dos suplementos sobre saúde realizados pelas PNADs de 1998, 2003 e 2008, bem como os da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) de 2013, também realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Buscando atingir os objetivos propostos, o trabalho está dividido em cinco seções, sendo a primeira esta introdução. A segunda traça um panorama da participação da população brasileira masculina de 50 a 64 anos nas atividades econômicas e a terceira detalha algumas características dos nem-nem. Utilizando-se de um modelo logístico, busca-se entender, na quarta seção, o que torna os homens nem-nem. Apresentam-se, na quinta seção, as considerações finais.

Care and functional disabilities in daily activities - ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of demand and provision of care for the Brazilian population with functional disabilities in activities of daily living. METHODS: This is a quantitative and descriptive study using baseline data from ELSI-Brazil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging), a cohort study with a representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 years or older (n = 9,412). We considered the demand for care from the self-report of having some difficulty to perform at least one activity of daily life (eating, bathing, going to the toilet, dressing, moving in a room [ambulation], and transferring from chair [transfer]). Care supply was measured by having some help to perform the activity of daily living. RESULTS: Approximately a quarter of the individuals evaluated (23.2%) reported difficulty in at least one activity of daily living, especially regarding transfer and dressing. Age, schooling, and number of chronic diseases were significantly associated with the difficulty in activities of daily living. Among those who reported difficulty, 35.1% received help of others and 11.8% did not receive (lack of care). The activities with greater lack of care were bathing (13.3%) and transfer (11.7%), which reveals an undignified survival condition. Care remains a family (94.1%) and female (72.1%) issue; despite the important changes that have taken place in society, there is still a lack of care policies. Of the total caregivers, 25.8% reported stopping working or studying to perform this role and only 9.2% were paid (hired ones or family members). CONCLUSIONS: The ELSI-Brazil results reveal the expressive care demand of the Brazilian population aged 50 years or older with functional disabilities on activities of daily living and the lack of care policies aimed at this public.

Anti-arthritic properties of crude extract from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. leaves.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves on the development of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and on pro-inflammatory cytokine balance. METHODS: Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in DBA1/J mice. On the 21st day, the mice were treated orally with HCE or methotrexate, daily. Six weeks after beginning the treatment, the following measures were determined: lymphoid organs cell numbers, percentage of blood cells, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 serum concentrations, activity of hepatic and kidney glutathione S-transferase, hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, bone density and histopathology. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment of CIA mice with HCE 5 mg/kg (HCE5) reduced the percentage of neutrophils and macrophages and the number of bone marrow cells and increased the lymphocyte numbers and the inguinal lymph node cellularity. This treatment inhibited the serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α, which may be related to the preservation of bone density and to the slight thickening of periarticular tissues, with minimal fibrosis and fibroblast proliferation in the joints. The CIA group presented advanced articular erosion and synovial hyperplasia. Phytochemical analysis showed mainly flavonols. CONCLUSIONS: HCE5 presented anti-arthritic potential and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α, which participate directly in the development and maintenance of the inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies About Physical Activity Interventions Including Follow-Up Analysis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have used the follow-up method to analyze real behavioral changes in research involving physical activity (PA) interventions. This has great scientific value; however, it is hard to apply without satisfactory resources and research funding. Little is known about how many studies have used this method to analyze PA interventions in low-income and middle-income countries, especially Brazil. PURPOSE: To describe Brazilian studies using follow-up analysis after PA interventions. METHODS: A systematic review was performed including Brazilian studies with follow-up analysis after PA interventions; the analyzed papers were from the previous 10 years. The search was carried out in Portuguese, English, and Spanish in the following databases: SciELO, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature, PubMed, and Scopus. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis method was used. RESULTS: In total, 6 of the 7 studies analyzed were from the southeast region, with the intervention time ranging from 2 to 12 months, carrying out follow-up every 5.3 months with 2.2 observations on average. The interventions had a behavioral approach and were generally carried out in universities, hospitals, and ambulatory care. CONCLUSION: Studies on PA interventions using follow-up analysis are scarce. Considering the relevance of follow-up studies to measure behavior changes, the results suggest that more studies about this topic are essential in Brazil.

Care and functional disabilities in daily activities - ELSI-Brazil / Cuidado e limitações funcionais em atividades cotidianas - ELSI-Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of demand and provision of care for the Brazilian population with functional disabilities in activities of daily living. METHODS This is a quantitative and descriptive study using baseline data from ELSI-Brazil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging), a cohort study with a representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 years or older (n = 9,412). We considered the demand for care from the self-report of having some difficulty to perform at least one activity of daily life (eating, bathing, going to the toilet, dressing, moving in a room [ambulation], and transferring from chair [transfer]). Care supply was measured by having some help to perform the activity of daily living. RESULTS Approximately a quarter of the individuals evaluated (23.2%) reported difficulty in at least one activity of daily living, especially regarding transfer and dressing. Age, schooling, and number of chronic diseases were significantly associated with the difficulty in activities of daily living. Among those who reported difficulty, 35.1% received help of others and 11.8% did not receive (lack of care). The activities with greater lack of care were bathing (13.3%) and transfer (11.7%), which reveals an undignified survival condition. Care remains a family (94.1%) and female (72.1%) issue; despite the important changes that have taken place in society, there is still a lack of care policies. Of the total caregivers, 25.8% reported stopping working or studying to perform this role and only 9.2% were paid (hired ones or family members). CONCLUSIONS The ELSI-Brazil results reveal the expressive care demand of the Brazilian population aged 50 years or older with functional disabilities on activities of daily living and the lack of care policies aimed at this public.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar as prevalências da demanda e da oferta de cuidados à população brasileira com limitações funcionais em atividades básicas da vida diária. MÉTODOS Estudo quantitativo e descritivo, que utiliza dados da linha de base do ELSI-Brasil (Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Idoso), estudo de coorte com amostra representativa da população brasileira de pessoas a partir de 50 anos (n = 9.412). Considera-se a demanda de cuidados a partir do autorrelato de ter alguma dificuldade para o desempenho de pelo menos uma atividade básica da vida diária (comer, tomar banho, ir ao banheiro, vestir-se, locomover-se em um cômodo e transferir-se da cadeira). A oferta de cuidado foi medida por ter alguma ajuda para realizar a atividade básica da vida diária. RESULTADOS Cerca de um quarto dos indivíduos avaliados (23,2%) relatou dificuldade em pelo menos uma atividade básica da vida diária, sobretudo quanto à transferência e vestimenta. A idade, a escolaridade e o número de doenças crônicas associaram-se de forma significativa com a dificuldade nas atividades básicas da vida diária. Entre os que referiam dificuldade, 35,1% contavam com a ajuda de outrem e 11,8% não recebiam nenhuma ajuda (insuficiência de cuidado). As atividades com maior insuficiência de cuidado foram: tomar banho (13,3%) e transferir-se (11,7%), o que revela uma condição indigna de sobrevivência. O cuidado continua sendo uma questão familiar (94,1%) e feminina (72,1%); apesar das importantes mudanças ocorridas na sociedade, ainda há insuficiência de políticas de cuidado voltadas para essa área. Dos cuidadores, 25,8% referiram parar de trabalhar ou estudar para exercer essa função; e apenas 9,2% eram remunerados (contratados ou familiares). CONCLUSÕES Os resultados do ELSI-Brasil revelam a expressiva demanda de cuidados pela população brasileira a partir de 50 anos com limitações funcionais em atividades básicas de vida diária e a insuficiência de políticas de cuidados voltadas a esse público.

Flavonoid-enriched fraction from Echinodorus macrophyllus aqueous extract exhibits high in-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVES: Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth) Micheli (Alismataceae) is popularly used as an infusion to treat inflammatory diseases. This work fractionated the aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus (AEEm) to improve its anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: Aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus was fractionated by Sephadex LH-20 and analysed by HPLC-DAD. Anti-inflammatory action was evaluated, in vivo, by air pouch model (total leucocyte, protein and leukotriene B4 (LTB4 )), and, in vitro, by neutrophil migration (transwell assay) and its Mac1 expression (flow cytometry), and RAW 264.7 nitric oxide (NO) production (Griess reaction). KEY FINDINGS: Fr20 reduced total leucocyte at 2.5 mg/kg (29.7%) while ethanolic extract of E. macrophyllus (EAEm) increased it (94.0%). Fr20 showed higher (P < 0.05) inhibition (89.8%) of LTB4 in exudate than EAEm (75.0%). Fr20 and EAEm decreased exudate protein and inflammatory infiltrate in pouch tissues, in-vitro neutrophil migration, and NO production. Otherwise, Fr40 did not reduce leucocytes and exudate protein (until 50 mg/kg) nor tissue inflammation, and increased in-vitro NO production. The inhibition of neutrophil migration by EAEm, but not Fr20, was dependent on reduced Mac-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The fractionation of AEEm provided a more potent anti-inflammatory fraction containing flavonoids (Fr20) that reduces the migration of neutrophils and LTB4 release, probably contributing to its mechanism of action.

Electrophysiological analysis shows dizziness as the first symptom in human T cell lymphotropic virus type-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

Dizziness is a symptom in human T cell lymphotropic virus type-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and may occur due to vestibulospinal tract dysfunction. This tract can be assessed by an electrophysiological test called vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP). The aim was to correlate the result of VEMP generated by acoustic stimuli and dizziness in individuals with human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-asymptomatic infection and HAM/TSP. VEMP was recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle of 60 HTLV-1-negative adults (60±8 years) and 60 individuals infected with HTLV-1, 30 being asymptomatic (59±8 years) and 30 with HAM/TSP (59±8 years). In all groups, 90% of the participants were women. VEMP was generated by acoustic stimuli (short tone bursts), with an intensity of 118 dBHL and band-pass filter from 10 Hz to 1,500 Hz, and presented 200 stimuli at a frequency of 1,000 Hz with a record time of 60 ms. Of 60 HTLV-1-negative individuals, 14 (23%) reported dizziness; VEMP was normal in all. In the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, 11(37%) complained of dizziness (p=0.31); VEMP was altered in four (40%) subjects with dizziness and in one (5%) without dizziness (p=0.00). In the group with HAM/TSP, dizziness was reported by 17 (57%) subjects (p=0.002); VEMP was altered in 11 (64%) with dizziness and in 5 (38%) without dizziness (p=0.15). Dizziness without an apparent etiology in HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers deserves attention in terms of a possible subclinical spinal cord involvement that can be clarified through spinal electrophysiological tests. Damage of the vestibulospinal tract seems to occur in the early stages of HAM/TSP.

Panorama prospectivo das demências no Brasil: um enfoque demográfico / A perspective overview of dementia in Brazil: a demographic approach

É típico da população idosa a prevalência elevada de doenças crônicas, que comprometem a sua autonomia. Um exemplo são as síndromes demenciais. O objetivo deste trabalho é projetar o número de idosos demenciados. Para isto estimou-se o número atual, aplicando medidas de prevalência por grupos de idade à população de 65 anos e mais, enumerada pelo Censo Demográfico de 2010. Estas medidas fora/m obtidas nos levantamentos encontrados na literatura. Para se obter uma medida nacional, utilizou-se uma média ponderada das prevalências estimadas. Foram obtidas taxas de prevalência por idade e sexo para a população idosa brasileira. Pesquisas existentes mostram que a demência cresce acentuadamente com a idade. As mulheres e os analfabetos apresentam uma prevalência mais elevada. A prevalência brasileira média apresenta-se mais alta que a mundial. Projeções para a população brasileira apontam para um pequeno crescimento na taxa de prevalência de demência na população com 65 anos e mais, de 7,6% para 7,9% entre 2010 e 2020, ou seja, 55.000 novos casos por ano. As demências constituem uma questão de saúde pública e trazem uma preocupação bioética com o envelhecimento: a perda da autonomia das pessoas afetadas e a responsabilidade do sistema de saúde para atendê-las.

It is only to be expected that the elderly population manifests a high prevalence of chronic diseases that jeopardize their autonomy. One example is syndromes of dementia. The scope of this paper is to make projections of the number of elderly individuals with dementia. An estimate of the current number is made by applying age-related prevalence data to the population of 65 and over, by age-group, with the figures from the Brazilian Demographic Census of 2010. The data were obtained from assessments found in the literature. For a national measure, a weighted average of the estimated prevalence was used. Prevalence rates by age and gender were calculated for the elderly Brazilian population. Current investigations show a steep increase of dementia with age. Women and illiterate individuals have a higher prevalence. The mean prevalence in Brazil is higher than that found in the rest of the world. Projections for the Brazilian population point to a small increase in the prevalence of dementia in the 65+ age-group, from 7.6% to 7.9% between 2010 and 2020, which means 55,000 new cases a year. Dementia is a public health issue, and elicits a strong bioethical concern with aging, due to the loss of autonomy of the affected individuals and the responsibility of the health system to provide adequate care.

[A perspective overview of dementia in Brazil: a demographic approach]. / Panorama prospectivo das demências no Brasil: um enfoque demográfico.

It is only to be expected that the elderly population manifests a high prevalence of chronic diseases that jeopardize their autonomy. One example is syndromes of dementia. The scope of this paper is to make projections of the number of elderly individuals with dementia. An estimate of the current number is made by applying age-related prevalence data to the population of 65 and over, by age-group, with the figures from the Brazilian Demographic Census of 2010. The data were obtained from assessments found in the literature. For a national measure, a weighted average of the estimated prevalence was used. Prevalence rates by age and gender were calculated for the elderly Brazilian population. Current investigations show a steep increase of dementia with age. Women and illiterate individuals have a higher prevalence. The mean prevalence in Brazil is higher than that found in the rest of the world. Projections for the Brazilian population point to a small increase in the prevalence of dementia in the 65+ age-group, from 7.6% to 7.9% between 2010 and 2020, which means 55,000 new cases a year. Dementia is a public health issue, and elicits a strong bioethical concern with aging, due to the loss of autonomy of the affected individuals and the responsibility of the health system to provide adequate care.

Ações participativas em uma comunidade virtual de enfemagem / Participating actions in a nursing virtual community / Acciones participativas en una comunidad virtual de enfemería

O estudo aborda a interação no âmbito da Enfermagem em ambientes virtuais, ressaltando sua importância para o cuidado e aprendizagem da profissão. Objetivos: Propor uma categorização de ações participativas expressas em mensagens de identidades virtuais de uma comunidade de enfermagem; e verificar a distribuição das categorias de ações participativas, de modo acorrelacioná-las com o processo de interação na comunidade virtual. Métodos: Estudo exploratório de abordagem quantitativa, com análise de conteúdo textual e estatística descritiva. Verificaram-se nove categorias para as ações participativas. Resultados: As categorias para as ações participativas mais prevalentes foram comentário, questionamento e resposta, sendo denominadas tríade da conversação. Conclusão: Pontua-se a validade em tomar as ações participativas como elementos básicos indicativos de interações e transações na perspectiva sistêmica aplicada à Enfermagem. Esta compreensão traz contribuições para uma melhor caracterização de ambientes, indivíduos e suas relações no espaço virtual da Internet.

Influence of laparoscopy and laparotomy on gasometry, leukocytes and cytokines in a rat abdominal sepsis model.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with reduced surgical trauma, and less acute phase response, as compared with open surgery. Cytokines are important regulators of the biological response to surgical and anesthetic stress. The aim of this study was to determine if CO2 pneumoperitoneum would change cytokine expression, gas parameters and leukocyte count in septic rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (anesthesia only), laparotomy, CO2 pneumoperitoneum, cecum ligation and puncture by laparotomy, and laparoscopic cecum ligation and puncture. After 30 min of the procedures, arterial blood samples were obtained to determine leukocytes subpopulations by hemocytometer. TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 were determined in intraperitoneal fluid (by ELISA). Gas parameters were measured on arterial blood, intraperitoneal and subperitoneal exudates. RESULTS: Peritoneal TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 concentrations were lower in pneumoperitoneum rats than in all other groups (p<0.05). TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 expression was lower in the laparoscopic than in laparotomic sepsis (p<0.05). Rats from laparoscopic cecum ligation and puncture group developed significant hypercarbic acidosis in blood and subperitoneal fluid when compared to open procedure group. Total white blood cells and lymphocytes were significantly lower in laparoscopic cecum ligation and puncture rats than in the laparotomic (p<0.01). Nevertheless, the laparotomic cecum ligation rats had a significant increase in blood neutrophils and eosinophils when compared with controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the CO2 pneumoperitoneum reduced the inflammatory response in an animal model of peritonitis with respect to intraperitoneal cytokines, white blood cell count and clinical correlates of sepsis. The pneumoperitoneum produced hypercarbic acidosis in septic animals.

Influence of laparoscopy and laparotomy on gasometry, leukocytes and cytokines in a rat abdominal sepsis model

OBJETIVO: A cirurgia laparoscópica está associada com trauma reduzido e baixa resposta na fase aguda do trauma, quando comparada com a cirurgia aberta. As citocinas e o balanço ácido-base são fatores importantes da resposta biológica ao trauma cirúrgico-anestésico. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o pneumoperitôneo com CO2 altera a expressão das citocinas, a gasometria e a contagem diferencial de leucócitos em ratos com sepse abdominal. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em 5 grupos: controle (somente anestesia), laparotomia, pneumoperitôneo com CO2, ligadura e punção do ceco por laparotomia, ligadura e punção do ceco por laparoscopia. Após 30 minutos dos procedimentos, sangue arterial foi colhido para leucometria diferencial em hemocitômetro. TNFa, IL-1b e IL-6 foram dosadas no líquido intraperitoneal (por ELISA). Os parâmetros gasosos foram medidos no sangue arterial e nos exsudatos intraperitoneal e subperitoneal. RESULTADOS: Os valores de TNFa, IL-1b e IL-6 foram significantemente menores nos ratos submetidos ao pneumoperitôneo do que em todos os outros grupos (p<0.05). Expressão de TNFa, IL-1b e IL-6 foi menor no grupo sepse induzida por laparoscopia do que por laparotomia (p<0.05). Os ratos submetidos a ligadura e punção do ceco via laparoscópica desenvolveram acidose hipercárbica no sangue arterial e exsudato subperitoneal, mais intensa do que no grupo sepse laparotômica. Leucopenia e linfopenia foram mais acentuadas no grupo sepse laparoscópica (p<0.01). Entretanto, os animais submetidos a sepse laparotômica desenvolveram significante aumento de neutrófilos e eosinófilos quando comparados com os controles (p<0.05). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo demonstrou que o pneumoperitôneo com CO2 contribuiu para reduzir a resposta inflamatória em ratos submetidos a modelo de sepse abdominal, no que diz respeito à expressão de citocinas intraperitoneais e leucometria diferencial. O pneumoperitôneo também contribuiu para instalação de acidose hipercárbica nos ratos sépticos.

Manifestaçöes articulares nas viroses exantemáticas / Joint complaints in exanthematic diseases

A frequência de manifestaçöes articulares foi avaliada em 251 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial (detecçäo de IgM por ensaio imunoenzimático) de virose exantemática. As artropatias (artralgia e/ou artrite) foram mais observadas nos casos de dengue (49 por cento) e de rubéola (38,2 por cento) do que naqueles com parvovirose humana (30 por cento) e sarampo (28,1 por cento). Com exceçäo do sarampo, as artropatias predominaram nos adultos (>/= 15 anos de idade), sendo tal diferença estatisticamente signinficativa. A ocorrência maior de artropatias em adultos foi mais evidente nos pacientes com parvovirose (75 por cento), rubéola (65 por cento) e dengue (57,7 por cento) do que naqueles com sarampo (31 por cento). As queixas articulares também predominaram nos pacientes do sexo feminino para todas as viroses avaliadas. Os resultados encoontrados demonstram o frequente acometimento articular nas doenças estudadas, e indicam a necessidade de comprovaçäo laboratorial para o diagnóstico diferencial entre elas

Human parvovirus B19 infection: clinical and epidemiological study of 24 cases

No periodo de maio/94 a novembro/95, 24 casos de parvovirose humana foram atendidos no Servico de Doencas Infecciosas e Parasitarias do Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro, Niteroi - RJ. Amostras sanguineas para a deteccao de IgM (ensaio imunoenzimatico por captura) foram positivas do primeiro ao vigesimo setimo dia apos o inicio do exantema. Os sinais e sintomas classicos do eritema infeccioso foram observados em 8 (33,3 por cento) dos casos e apenas em criancas. Oito pacientes (6 adultos e 2 criancas) apresentaram poliartropatia simetrica, vista mais frequentemente em mulheres. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que o diagnostico da parvovirose humana e dificil quando a doenca nao apresenta quadro clinico classico e, devido ao frequente envolvimento das articulacoes, tal infeccao deve ser considerada no diagnostico diferencial da artrite reumatoide na sua fase inicial