Comparative Assessment of the Toxicity of Brominated and Halogen-Free Flame Retardants to Zebrafish in Terms of Tail Coiling Activity, Biomarkers, and Locomotor Activity.

BDE-47, a flame retardant that is frequently detected in environmental compartments and human tissues, has been associated with various toxic effects. In turn, information about the effects of aluminum diethyl-phosphinate (ALPI), a halogen-free flame retardant from a newer generation, is limited. This study aims to assess and compare the toxicity of BDE-47 and ALPI to zebrafish by analyzing the tail coiling, locomotor, acetylcholinesterase activities, and oxidative stress biomarkers. At 3000 µg/L BDE-47, the coiling frequency increased at 26-27 h post-fertilization (hpf), but the burst activity (%) and mean burst duration (s) did not change significantly. Here, we considered that the increased coiling frequency is a slight neurotoxic effect because locomotor activity was impaired at 144 hpf and 300 µg/L BDE-47. Moreover, we hypothesized that oxidative stress could be involved in the BDE-47 toxicity mechanisms. In contrast, only at 30,000 µg/L did ALPI increase the catalase activity, while the motor behavior during different developmental stages remained unaffected. On the basis of these findings, BDE-47 is more toxic than ALPI.

A comparison of developmental toxicity of brominated and halogen-free flame retardant on zebrafish.

Brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) are halogenated flame retardants. Several concerns related to persistence and toxicity of BDEs have been resulted in a growing need of BDEs replacement. The use of halogen-free flame retardants (HFFR) has increased as a safer alternative, but little information is available on their toxic potential for environmental health and for developing organisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the toxicity of three congeners of BDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-154) with an HFFR (aluminum diethylphosphinate, ALPI) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) by assessing endpoints of lethality, sub-lethality and teratogenicity at the earlier stages of development. The highest tested concentration of BDE-47 (12.1 mg/L) induced pericardium and yolk sac edemas that first appeared at 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) and then were mostly reabsorbed until 144 hpf. BDE-47 also showed a slight but non-significant tendency to affect swim bladder inflation. The rate of edemas increased in a concentration-dependent manner after exposure to BDE-99, but there were no significant differences. In addition, the congener BDE-99 also presented a slight and non-significant effect on swim bladder inflation, but only at the highest concentration tested. Regarding BDE-154 exposure, the rate of edemas and swim bladder inflation were not affected. Finally, in all ALPI exposure concentrations (0.003 up to 30 mg/L), no sub-lethal or teratogenic effects were observed on developing organisms until 96 hpf. Although further studies are needed, our results demonstrate that when comparing the developmental toxicity induced by flame retardants in zebrafish, the HFFR ALPI may be considered a more suitable alternative to BDE-47.

A proposal for efficient rapid control of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever

A major catastrophe hit Western Africa and we would like to put a definite end to that nightmare. Ever since in its initial identification in 1976, the Ebola virus is endemic in Zaire (currently, Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC), where it has exerted devastating effects. For many years now, the virus has mercilessly attacked our fellow men, killing entire families overnight and leaving thousands of children orphan.The current, being the seventh epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) in the RDC, also broke out in West Africa - Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone Nigeria and Senegal.The World Health Organization (WHO) called specialists from several countries and concentrated efforts that might result in a practical contribution to the control of cases. It is worth to observe that the epidemic has caused more than 1,400 deaths in 2014, being the fatality rate 60 to 90%.(AU)

A proposal for efficient rapid control of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever

A major catastrophe hit Western Africa and we would like to put a definite end to that nightmare. Ever since in its initial identification in 1976, the Ebola virus is endemic in Zaire (currently, Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC), where it has exerted devastating effects. For many years now, the virus has mercilessly attacked our fellow men, killing entire families overnight and leaving thousands of children orphan.The current, being the seventh epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) in the RDC, also broke out in West Africa - Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone Nigeria and Senegal.The World Health Organization (WHO) called specialists from several countries and concentrated efforts that might result in a practical contribution to the control of cases. It is worth to observe that the epidemic has caused more than 1,400 deaths in 2014, being the fatality rate 60 to 90%.

O uso de medicamentos em saúde coletiva: aspectos sobre a dengue e a gripe A / The use of medicines in public health: aspects of dengue and influenza A

O autor debate alguns aspectos sobre a epidemia de dengue e gripe A no Brasil, sobretudo a orientação terapêutica do Ministério da Saúde e o uso do Paracetamol, e faz propostas alternativas em função de trabalhos realizados na região de Rio Preto/SP.

Flu pandemics: homeopathic prophylaxis and definition of the epidemic genius / Pandemia de gripe: homeoprofilaxia e definição do gênio epidêmico

Recent studies on viral genetics establish swine-H1N1 – responsible for the ongoing pandemics – as a remainder or continuation of the agent causing the flu epidemics of 1918. This study aimed at analyzing whether this common etiology also result in significant correlations of clinical manifestations. To do so, data were collected to compare the clinical evolution of cases in the 1918 and 2009 epidemics. This historical revision was the ground for evaluating the response to treatment including homeopathy in the former epidemics. It is discussed the convenience of including homeopathic prophylaxis grounded on the diagnosis of the epidemic genius among public health actions.

Estudos recentes de genética viral estabelecem o vírus H1N1 suíno – responsável pela atual pandemia – como remanente ou continuação do agente que produziu a epidemia de gripe de 1918. Este estudo visou analisar se esta etiologia comum também se acompanha de correlação significativa das manifestações clínicas. Para tanto, foram coletados dados a fim de comparar a evolução clínica nos casos nas epidemias de 1918 e 2009. Esta revisão histórica foi a base para avaliar a resposta ao tratamento, incluindo o homeopático, na epidemia passada. Discute-se a conveniência de incluir homeoprofilaxia entre as medidas de saúde pública, com base no diagnóstico do gênio epidêmico.

Flu pandemics: homeopathic prophylaxis and definition of the epidemic genius / Pandemia de gripe: homeoprofilaxia e definição do gênio epidêmico

Recent studies on viral genetics establish swine-H1N1 – responsible for the ongoing pandemics – as a remainder or continuation of the agent causing the flu epidemics of 1918. This study aimed at analyzing whether this common etiology also result in significant correlations of clinical manifestations. To do so, data were collected to compare the clinical evolution of cases in the 1918 and 2009 epidemics. This historical revision was the ground for evaluating the response to treatment including homeopathy in the former epidemics. It is discussed the convenience of including homeopathic prophylaxis grounded on the diagnosis of the epidemic genius among public health actions.(AU)

Estudos recentes de genética viral estabelecem o vírus H1N1 suíno – responsável pela atual pandemia – como remanente ou continuação do agente que produziu a epidemia de gripe de 1918. Este estudo visou analisar se esta etiologia comum também se acompanha de correlação significativa das manifestações clínicas. Para tanto, foram coletados dados a fim de comparar a evolução clínica nos casos nas epidemias de 1918 e 2009. Esta revisão histórica foi a base para avaliar a resposta ao tratamento, incluindo o homeopático, na epidemia passada. Discute-se a conveniência de incluir homeoprofilaxia entre as medidas de saúde pública, com base no diagnóstico do gênio epidêmico.(AU)

Homeopathy and collective health: the case of dengue epidemics / Homeopatia e saúde coletiva: o caso da epidemia de dengue

This paper describes experiences of the use of homeopathy in the prevention and treatment Dengue fever in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. May 2001, a single dose of the homeopathic remedy Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH was given to 40% of residents of the most highly affected neighborhood. Thereafter, Dengue incidence decreased by 81.5%, a highly significant decrease as compared with neighborhoods that did not receive homeopathic prophylaxis (p<0.0001). Between April and September 2007, a homeopathic complex composed of Eupatorium perfoliatum, Phosphorus and Crotalus horridus 30cH, given to 20,000 city residents. This trial was aborted prematurely due to national political intervention; therefore, only partial and isolated data could be recorded. However, the results suggest that homeopathy may be effective in the prevention and treatment of Dengue epidemics.

Este artigo descreve a prescrição do tratamento homeopático na prevenção e tratamento da Dengue, na cidade de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Em Maio de 2001, uma dose única do medicamento Eupatorium perfoliatum 30 cH foi adminstrado a 40% dos moradores de uma das regiões mais afetadas pelo vírus. Observou-se uma redução de 81,5% na incidência da Dengue, resultado altamente significativo quando comparado com as regiões vizinhas que não receberam o tratamento homeopático (p<0.0001). Entre Abril e Setembro de 2007, foi administrado um complexo homeopático composto de Eupatorium perfoliatum, Phosphorus and Crotalus horridus 30cH, para 20.000 moradores. O tratamento foi interrompido prematuramente devido à intervenção de órgãos oficial da Saúde. Em conseqüência disso, apenas dados parciais e isolados puderam ser obtidos. Mesmo assim, estes resultados sugerem que a Homeopatia pode ser efetiva na prevenção e tratamento da epidemia de Dengue.

Homeopathy and Collective Health: The Case of Dengue Epidemics / Homeopatia e Saúde Coletiva: o caso da epidemia de Dengue

This paper describes experiences of the use of homeopathy in the prevention and treatment Dengue fever in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. May 2001, a single dose of the homeopathic remedy Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH was given to 40% of residents of the most highly affected neighborhood. Thereafter, Dengue incidence decreased by 81.5%, a highly significant decrease as compared with neighborhoods that did not receive homeopathic prophylaxis (p<0.0001). Between April and September 2007, a homeopathic complex composed of Eupatorium perfoliatum, Phosphorus and Crotalus horridus 30cH, given to 20,000 city residents. This trial was aborted prematurely due to national political intervention; therefore, only partial and isolated data could be recorded. However, the results suggest that homeopathy may be effective in the prevention and treatment of Dengue epidemics.(AU)

Este artigo descreve a prescrição do tratamento homeopático na prevenção e tratamento da Dengue, na cidade de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Em Maio de 2001, uma dose única do medicamento Eupatorium perfoliatum 30 cH foi adminstrado a 40% dos moradores de uma das regiões mais afetadas pelo vírus. Observou-se uma redução de 81,5% na incidência da Dengue, resultado altamente significativo quando comparado com as regiões vizinhas que não receberam o tratamento homeopático (p menor 0.0001). Entre Abril e Setembro de 2007, foi administrado um complexo homeopático composto de Eupatorium perfoliatum, Phosphorus and Crotalus horridus 30cH, para 20.000 moradores. O tratamento foi interrompido prematuramente devido à intervenção de órgãos oficial da Saúde. Em conseqüência disso, apenas dados parciais e isolados puderam ser obtidos. Mesmo assim, estes resultados sugerem que a Homeopatia pode ser efetiva na prevenção e tratamento da epidemia de Dengue.(AU)

Emprego profilático da Homeopatia em uma epidemia de Dengue / Profilatic use of homeopathy for a dengue epidemic

Os autores fizeram um estudo utilizando o medicamento homeopático Eupatorium 30CH como preventivo da dengue. Os resultados interessantes levam os autores a propor o aprofundamento do tema com trabalhos futuros que podem formar massa crítica para a utilização da Homeopatia na Saúde Pública

A prosodia do medicamento homeopatico e o ensino e a pratica da homeopatia / The prosody of the homeopathic medicine and the teaching and practice of homeopathy

O autor propoe que tambem a prosodia do medicamento homeopatico constitua objeto da mesma abordagem critica e cientifica que define a Homeoterapia

A prosodia do medicamento homeopatico e o ensino e a pratica da homeopatia / The prosody of the homeopathic medicine and the teaching and practice of homeopathy

O autor propoe que tambem a prosodia do medicamento homeopatico constitua objeto da mesma abordagem critica e cientifica que define a Homeoterapia